A Romanian National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Sentenced To Federal Prison For Defrauding Elderly Victims (Photo) - 05/27/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Romanian national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for defrauding elderly victims by stealing their bank cards and taking money from their bank accounts.

Rexona Caldararu, 34, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

According to court documents, beginning in the summer of 2023 and continuing through the summer of 2025, Caldararu and her co-conspirators would memorize the debit card pin numbers of elderly victims as they checked out at the grocery store. Caldararu or one of her co-conspirators then followed each victim back to the parking lot, told the victim they dropped cash and insisted on helping place the cash back in their wallet while at the same time removing their debit card. Caldararu and her co-conspirators would then proceed to the victim’s bank and remove as much money as possible and sometimes also use the debit card to make purchases. Caldararu defrauded 12 victims from the District of Oregon and elsewhere and stole more than $73,500.  Caldararu had been previously arrested for similar conduct throughout the country, in the United Kingdom, and in France.

On Oct. 7, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 12-count superseding indictment charging Caldararu and her co-conspirators.  On Jan. 22, 2026, Caldararu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken prosecuted the case.

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Six Charged With Drug Trafficking Following HSTF Investigation (Photo) - 05/27/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Six defendants were charged for their roles in a drug trafficking organization, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

The six defendants below were charged by a second superseding information on April 29, 2026, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine:

• Rafael Mora Contreras, 45, of Forest Grove, Oregon;
• Cristina Echeverria, 42, of Forest Grove;
• Nathalie Claire Buchanan, 28, of Bend, Oregon;
• Charles Ottis Johnson, 37, of Bend;
• Mariano Perez-Sanchez, 42, of Forest Grove; and
• Dagoberto Ayala-Lopez, 38, of Hillsboro, Oregon.

According to court documents, in July 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) began investigating a methamphetamine and cocaine supplier in Forest Grove operated and run by Perez-Sanchez. Perez-Sanchez worked as a drug dispatcher and took orders from retail level distributors.

Johnson and Buchanan were drug trafficking partners who routinely purchased large amounts of methamphetamine in the Portland and Salem area to sell in the Bend area. On February 11, 2026, Echeverria, a courier for Perez-Sanchez, delivered a large quantity of methamphetamine to Buchanan at a hotel. Buchanan and Johnson were pulled over by police. Officers located over 4 pounds of methamphetamine in the car. Investigators reviewed text messages during the drug deal with Johnson and Buchanan showing further evidence of drug trafficking.

On February 17, 2026, Echeverria and Mora Contreras, driving separate cars, were both pulled over by OSP troopers after an overnight trip to California to re-supply drugs. OSP troopers located 28 pounds of methamphetamine and 6 kilograms of cocaine in Echeverria’s car.

Ayala-Lopez worked as a drug courier for Perez-Sanchez. Ayala-Lopez’s vehicles and residence were searched pursuant to search warrant and investigators located over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

DEA is investigating the case with assistance from OSP and CCITF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis Burkhart is prosecuting the case.

CCITF, led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force is comprised of members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, OSP, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by our community with the passage of the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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Romanian National Sentenced For Selling Access To Networks Of Oregon State Government Office And Other U.S. Victims (Photo) - 05/27/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Romanian national was sentenced to 56 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release in connection with an online intrusion into an Oregon state government office in 2021 and other cyber attacks on U.S. victims, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

“My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, here and abroad, to disrupt and dismantle malicious cyber criminal activity and to bring cyber criminals, wherever they may be, to account for their crimes in federal court in Oregon,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford.

According to court documents, Catalin Dragomir, 46, formerly of Constanta, Romania, sold access on the dark web to a computer on the network of an Oregon state government office after obtaining unauthorized access to it in June 2021. During the sale, Dragomir provided the prospective buyer with samples of personal identifying information from the computer. He also sold access to the computer networks of numerous other victims in the United States and across the world, causing losses of at least $250,000. Dragomir operated on the dark web, using aliases to obscure his identity.

In November 2024, Dragomir was arrested in Romania and extradited to the United States in January 2025.

On February 19, 2026, Dragomir pleaded guilty to obtaining information from a protected computer and aggravated identity theft.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorneys Benjamin A. Bleiberg and Alison M. Zitron of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Romanian Ministry of Justice, Directorate for International Law and Judicial Cooperation, and the Romanian Judiciary to secure the arrest and extradition of Dragomir. The Department of Justice also thanks Darkweb IQ for its assistance with the investigation.

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.

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Lake Oswego Man Charged With Sexually Exploiting Multiple Minors And Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material (Photo) - 05/22/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Lake Oswego, Oregon, man has been charged with sexually exploiting minor victims online and in person across multiple states and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Alex Miller Eldridge, 36, has been charged by criminal complaint with sexual exploitation of children and possession and distribution of child pornography.

According to court documents, since May 2025, Eldridge used multiple online accounts to sexually exploit minors in multiple U.S. states and at least one foreign country. In December 2024, Eldridge flew from Hawaii to Pennsylvania to sexually abuse a minor victim he met on the Discord application. Eldridge recorded his sexual abuse of the minor victim and later sent those videos to multiple other minor victims.

Eldridge used the Discord and Session applications to engage in sexually themed chats with additional minor victims in 2025 and 2026. He directed one minor victim in Colorado and another in Greece to send him videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct, which he then threatened to distribute online. Discord also reported him for distributing multiple files of CSAM in November 2025.

Investigators executed a search warrant at Elridge’s home on May 20 and located additional evidence of sexual exploitation of minors and CSAM activity. Evidence found on Eldridge’s cell phone showed that he distributed CSAM on Discord the day before his arrest.

Eldridge made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge, who detained Eldridge pending further court proceedings.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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Coos Bay Man Pleads Guilty To Sexually Exploiting A Minor And Attempting To Sexually Exploit Another Minor (Photo) - 05/20/26

EUGENE, Ore.— A Coos Bay, Oregon, man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court for causing a child to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM), attempting to cause an adult to produce CSAM with his minor child, and distributing CSAM to others.

Thomas Owen Barnett, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. 

According to court documents, between September and December 2023, Barnett encouraged a minor victim to create and send him CSAM.  In September 2024, Barnett distributed CSAM of that minor victim on Kik, an online chat platform, and sought money in exchange. The same month, Barnett posed as the minor victim online and asked a man in a foreign nation to make and send him CSAM depicting the man’s very young child.

On February 20, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a four-count indictment charging Barnett with sexual exploitation of a child, attempted sexual exploitation of a child, as well as possession and distribution of child pornography.

Barnett faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a supervised release term of five years to life. He will be sentenced on September 1, 2026, before a U.S. District Court judge. Additionally, Barnett has agreed to pay restitution to the victim and forfeit certain property. 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the North Bend Police Department and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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Two Colombian Nationals Unlawfully In The United States Plead Guilty To Interstate Burglary Conspiracy Targeting Asian American Business Owners (Photo) - 05/20/26

EUGENE, Ore.— Two Colombian nationals unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty in federal court for their roles in a multi-state burglary conspiracy that targeted Asian American small business owners in Oregon and Washington.

Derinson Martinez-Grandas, 34, and Steven Alexander Quiroga-Solano, 27, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods.

According to court documents, in early October 2025, Martinez-Grandas, Quiroga-Solano, and their co-conspirators burglarized four homes belonging to victims in multiple states, including Oregon and Washington.

Martinez-Grandas, Quiroga-Solano, and their co-conspirators traveled state to state and targeted homes for burglary by performing internet research on potential Asian American targets. They stayed in short-term rentals and identified and surveilled potential burglary victims, all Asian American small business owners, and then performed reconnaissance on the victims’ residences.

When they carried out the burglaries, the defendants employed signal jamming technology, perimeter countersurveillance, and communicated on seven-way group calls. They entered their victims’ homes by shattering glass doors. Once inside, they ransacked residences, stealing United States and foreign currency, jewelry, designer handbags, purses, wallets, travel documents, and other valuables. After the burglaries, the crew returned to their short-term rental to package the proceeds for transport, transfer, or transmittal.

Following a burglary in Salem, detectives learned that the defendants returned to their rental in Eugene and executed a search warrant at the rental that night. Investigators recovered money and property, believed to be stolen from the various residences, more than a dozen cell phones, believed to be used by the burglary crew, evidence of money wires to Bogota, Colombia, and various Colombian travel documentation, including passports. They also located commercial-grade Wi-Fi signal jammers that were plugged in and charging following their suspected use during the burglary that day.

A search of their devices revealed additional evidence of the conspiracy, including sending and receiving coordinates for the houses they burglarized, surveillance communications, and shared messages highlighting the burglary targets from the preceding days.

For instance, Quiroga-Solano researched Chinese restaurants two days before the burglary crew victimized a family owning a Chinese restaurant. He was in the vicinity of a victim’s home in Gresham the night before it was burglarized, which authorities believe was in preparation for the following day’s burglary. Martinez-Grandas secured short term rentals for the crew in Auburn and Eugene and mapped the address of the Salem home on the day of that burglary. Both Martinez-Grandas and Quiroga-Solano returned to the Eugene rental to package stolen property the night of the Salem burglary.

Martinez-Grandas and Quiroga-Solano each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. They will be sentenced on July 14, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eugene Police Department with assistance from the Salem Police Department, the Auburn Police Department, and the Gresham Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren.

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Media Advisory: U.S. Attorney, Federal, State, And Local Law Enforcement To Hold Press Conference In Eugene | Tomorrow, May 19, 2026 (Photo) - 05/18/26

The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement will hold a press conference to discuss the disruption of criminal activity targeting local Asian American business owners in the Eugene area. Please see attached media advisory for details. 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford Appointed To Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (Photo) - 05/15/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has appointed U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon to serve on this Administration’s inaugural Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). Established in 1973, the AGAC is composed of 18 U.S. Attorneys from across the country, providing geographic, operational, and subject-matter representation in advising the Attorney General and senior Department of Justice leadership on national priorities and other critical issues.  

“I am deeply honored to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and advance the Department of Justice’s priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “I look forward to working alongside my distinguished colleagues on the AGAC’s important mission and making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”

Mr. Bradford joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and served in a variety of leadership roles within the office, including Chief of the White Collar Unit, Chief of the Economic, National Security, and Cyber Crimes Unit, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.

In 2022, Mr. Bradford served as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Regional Cybercrime Attaché in Southeast Asia where he trained justice sector partners within the region to combat cybercrime. Prior to his return to Oregon as the U.S. Attorney, Mr. Bradford was the Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section in the National Security Division in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes National Police Week, May 10-16, 2026 (Photo) - 05/15/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—In honor of National Police Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year’s commemoration is observed from Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16, 2026.

“National Police Week is about gratitude for and remembrance of those men and woman who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We are grateful for our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners and their families for their daily service, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping our community safe,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  

The names of 363 officers killed in the line of duty were added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. These names were read on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the 38^th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C.  

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

To learn more about National Police Week, please visit www.policeweek.org. 

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Guatemalan National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Sentenced To Federal Prison For Traveling To Washington To Sexually Abuse A Minor (Photo) - 05/15/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Culver, Oregon, was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for traveling hours across state lines to sexually abuse a minor victim.

Leonias Juber Ramos-Garcia, 26, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in February 2025, Ramos-Garcia gave the minor victim a note with cash and professed his affection for the minor. In March 2025, Ramos-Garcia sent sexually explicit messages to the minor victim and secured a hotel in Central Oregon where he sexually abused the victim. In April 2025, Ramos-Garcia traveled from Oregon to Washington and booked a second hotel where he again sexually abused the victim.

On November 18, 2025, Ramos-Garcia pleaded guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI, with assistance from the DEA and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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Ukrainian National Extradited From Thailand To Face Conspiracy Charges (Photo) - 05/14/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Ukrainian national was extradited from Thailand to the United States last Friday to face charges for her role in a global Ponzi and pyramid scheme.

Olena Oblamska, 42, has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to court documents, Oblamska and her co-conspirators advertised Forsage as a decentralized matrix project based on network marketing and “smart contracts,” which are self-executing contracts on the blockchain. The defendants falsely promoted Forsage to the public as a legitimate, low-risk, and lucrative investment opportunity through Forsage’s website and various social-media platforms, but, in reality, the defendants operated Forsage as a Ponzi and pyramid investment scheme that took in approximately $340 million from victim-investors around the world.

Consistent with a Ponzi scheme, as soon as an investor invested in Forsage by purchasing a “slot” in a Forsage smart contract, the smart contract automatically diverted the investor’s funds to other Forsage investors, such that earlier investors were paid with funds from later investors.

Oblamska made her initial appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. She was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a 4-day jury trial scheduled to begin on July 14, 2026.

If convicted, Oblamska faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

The FBI Portland Field Office, U.S. Secret Service, HSI New York, and HSI Bangkok are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Sara Hallmark and Tian Huang of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine A. Rykken and Meredith Bateman are prosecuting the case.

The Justice Department thanks its Thailand law enforcement partners, including the Royal Thai Police and the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand.

All investor victims of the Forsage scheme are encouraged to visit the webpage https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-vladimir-okhotnikov-et-al to identify themselves as potential victims and obtain more information on their rights as victims, including the ability to submit a victim impact statement.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Honduran National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Fentanyl With Intent To Distribute (Photo) - 05/11/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Marvin Yahir Izaguirre-Varela, 22, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents, on February 18, 2026, a drug detection K9 alerted to the presence of drugs in Izaguirre-Varela’s bag at the entrance of the Portland train station. Law enforcement officer searched Izaguirre-Varela’s bag and found over one kilogram of fentanyl that he was transporting for the purpose of distribution in Portland.

On March 18, 2026, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Izaguirre-Varela with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Izaguirre-Varela faces a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment, a $10 million fine, and 5 years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 3, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Portland Police Bureau Narcotics and Organized Crime Division, and the Amtrak Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kilcup is prosecuting the case.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

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Honduran National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Pleads Guilty To Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy And Unlawfully Possessing Firearms (Photo) - 05/06/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty today for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that lead to a fatal fentanyl overdose and for unlawfully possessing firearms as an illegal alien.

Cristhian Martinez, 21, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and alien in possession of a firearm. Pursuant to the plea agreement,  Martinez also admitted as part of the conspiracy to distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of an adult victim.

According to court documents, in September 2023, members of the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) were called to investigate a fatal overdose in Clackamas County. While processing the scene, investigators discovered numerous counterfeit M30 Oxycodone pills believed to be manufactured with fentanyl, as well as fentanyl powder. Martinez was soon identified as the person who sold fentanyl to the deceased victim’s dealer.

On November 16, 2023, investigators located Martinez traveling north from California into Oregon, followed his vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop in Gladstone, Oregon. During a K-9 sweep of Martinez’s vehicle, investigators found multiple concealed packages containing more than one kilogram of compressed fentanyl:

Later the same day, investigators executed a search warrant on Martinez’s Gladstone apartment where they seized more fentanyl, a 20-ton shop press used to produce “bricks” of fentanyl powder, multiple firearms, ammunition, and other materials consistent with drug trafficking:

Martinez faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine, and five years of supervised release. The government will seek a sentence of 210 months’ imprisonment. Martinez will be sentenced on August 4, 2026, before a U.S. District Court judge.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI, CCITF, and Westside Interagency Narcotics team (WIN). It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

CCITF, led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force is comprised of members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by our community with the passage of the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

WIN is a Washington County-based interagency drug interdiction task force that includes members from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Beaverton and Hillsboro Police Departments, Oregon National Guard Counter Drug Program, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and HSI.

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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Eugene Man Charged With Damaging Federal Property (Photo) - 05/06/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Eugene, Oregon, man made his first appearance in federal court today after allegedly destroying federal property while attempting to breach the Eugene federal building.  

Soren Emery Polzin, 18, has been charged by criminal complaint with depredation of federal property.

“The harm in this case goes beyond the thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to the federal building on January 30, 2026,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Federal employees were trapped inside, terrified of what would happen if the building were fully breached. This was a riot, not a lawful protest.”

“This arrest marks a huge step forward in our investigation of the damage to the Eugene federal building on January 30, 2026,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Violence and destruction of property jeopardize the rights and safety of all citizens. The FBI will continue to pursue individuals who exploit a situation to pursue violent, extremist agendas—anarchists and other agitators who set out to sow discord and upheaval.”

According to court documents, on the evening of January 30, 2026, a group of individuals, including Polzin, damaged the exterior windows and doors and attempted to gain access to the Eugene federal building while federal civilian employees were inside. Polzin repeatedly banged on and kicked the lobby window, eventually shattering the window with his lower body.

Polzin made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered released pending further court proceedings.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Protective Service are investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Eugene Man Charged With Assault On A Federal Officer (Photo) - 05/05/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Ryan Bruce Gaither Jr., 37, with assault on a federal employee involving physical contact and aggravated assault on a federal employee causing bodily injury.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 27, 2026, Gaither spit on a U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Special Response Team officer and bit a second officer.

Gaither made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026.

If convicted, Gaither faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

Federal Protective Service is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Two Charged With Narcotics Trafficking At Or Near Affordable Housing Establishments (Photo) - 05/05/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—Two local methamphetamine distributors have been charged with trafficking narcotics at or near affordable housing complexes in Portland, Oregon.

William Andrew Fleming-Davis, 39, has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and felon in possession of a firearm.

Edward Mortenson, 55, has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents, on April 25, 2026, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Officers received a tip from a community member that an unknown male was dealing drugs in Southeast Portland near the Lents neighborhood. Officers stopped Fleming-Davis, who matched the description of the drug dealer, and found methamphetamine, almost $600, multiple knives, brass knuckles, a firearm, and drug paraphernalia:

In April 2026, Portland Police officers with the Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team/Bike Squad received a tip of narcotics trafficking at Musolf Manor, an affordable housing complex. Mortenson was seen on video dropping methamphetamine. On April 29, 2026, officers took Mortenson into custody after he was caught trafficking narcotics and seized six baggies containing methamphetamine and over $300. Officers executed a search warrant on Mortenson’s apartment and seized over 370 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and bulk money from selling narcotics:

Following the arrest of the defendants, officers contacted the FBI to pursue the cases federally.

Mortenson made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

Fleming-Davis is currently being held on prior state charges.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

The FBI and Portland Police Bureau are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Medford Man Sentenced To 30 Years In Federal Prison For Sexually Abusing A Minor Victim (Photo) - 05/01/26

MEDFORD, Ore.—A Medford, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually abusing a minor victim in his care and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

David Michael Burnett, 37, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison and a lifetime term of  supervised release.

According to court documents, starting in June 2024, Burnett sent five videos of himself sexually abusing a minor victim in his care. Investigators seized Burnett’s devices and found over 300 videos and almost 8,000 images of CSAM.

On August 1, 2024, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a two-count indictment charging Burnett with sexual exploitation of children and distribution of child pornography. On February 3, 2026, Burnett pleaded guilty to both counts.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Medford Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Harper.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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Owners Of Local Real Estate Investment Company Sentenced To Federal Prison For Role In Fraud Conspiracy (Photo) - 04/30/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—The owners of a local real estate investment company were sentenced to federal prison today for their role in a $17 million fraud scheme. 

Robert D. Christensen, 56, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release and Anthony M. Matic, 56, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. 

According to court documents, from January 2019 through June 2023, as part of their scheme, Christensen and Matic told individual investors that they would use their investments to purchase and renovate undervalued residential real estate properties. Christensen and Matic also claimed they would rent the properties to generate income and refinance the properties to extract any increased value from the renovations. The pair further misled investors into believing they would be repaid their full principal investment along with interest as high as 8 to 15 percent and a large lump sum payout, all within periods as short as 30 to 90 days.

Christensen and Matic used new investments to repay earlier investors to keep their business afloat. When they were unable to raise enough money from new investors, Christensen and Matic began submitting loan applications with false financial information to different commercial lenders and based on their misrepresentations, received millions of dollars in loans.

In total, Christensen and Matic’s two schemes defrauded individual investors out of more than $10 million and commercial lenders out of more than $7 million.

This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Trisotto. 

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Eight Charged With Trafficking Narcotics Across The United States From Mexico (Photo) - 04/30/26

EUGENE, Ore.—Eight individuals have been charged for their role in a transnational criminal organization (TCO) transporting narcotics into California from Mexico and distributing it across the United States including Oregon.

The following individuals have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl:

1. Tania Argueta, 47, residing in Las Vegas, Nevada;
2. Patsy Escobar, 25, residing in Los Angeles, California;
3. Angel Lopez, 25, residing in Los Angeles;
4. Rene Cazares, 39, residing in Salem, Oregon;
5. Julia Dorfler, 32, residing in Springfield, Oregon;
6. Matthew Medieros, 38, residing in Coos Bay, Oregon;
7. Patrick Newport, 28, residing in Corvallis, Oregon; and
8. Felicia Waite, 40, residing in Eugene, Oregon.

According to court documents, the TCO transported drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl into California from Mexico before distributing it across the United States, including Oregon, through shipping carriers, sometimes hidden in children’s toys or cereal boxes, and vehicles.

Argueta was a drug and money courier for the TCO traveling all over the United States to pick up drug proceeds. Cazares operated a stash house in Salem receiving large amounts of controlled substances from couriers that he distributed at the direction of a co-conspirator to local Oregon customers. Escobar and Lopez operated a stash house in Corona, California, where they distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl across the United States. Dorfler, Newport, Waite, and Medieros were all local distributors for the TCO.

During the course of this investigation, law enforcement has seized approximately 56 pounds of fentanyl, 116 pounds of methamphetamine, more than $300,000, and 20 firearms from members of the TCO.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police, Springfield Police Department, Eugene Police Department, South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team, Linn Conty Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team, Corvallis Police Department, Corona Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case, with assistance from the New York Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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An Aloha Man Pleads Guilty To Aiming A Laser Pointer At An Aircraft And Drug Trafficking (Photo) - 04/30/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—An Aloha, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today for pointing a laser at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter landing at the Hillsboro, Oregon, airport and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Brian K. Kapileo Nepaial, 38, pleaded guilty to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents, on October 3, 2025, a CBP helicopter was struck by a green laser, causing it to abort its planned landing. The flight crew observed an individual walking near a residence and disappearing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the residence and, on October 10, 2025, executed a federal search warrant at the residence. FBI special agents seized a laser from the bedroom of Kapileo Nepaial and found over 100 grams of methamphetamine and evidence of drug trafficking.

On December 16, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Kapileo Nepaial with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Kapileo Nepaial faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for Count One. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine, and five years of supervised release for Count Two. Kapileo Nepaial will be sentenced on July 28, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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Romanian Nationals Unlawfully Residing In The United States Plead Guilty To Conspiring To Steal SNAP Benefits (Photo) - 04/29/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—Two Romanian nationals unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty for their role in a conspiracy to steal benefits from low income and food insecure individuals and families.

Aramis Manolea, 35, and Cristina Manolea, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States.

According to court documents, from April 2025 through November 2025, A. Manolea and C. Manolea conspired to use stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account information and PINs to fraudulently purchase SNAP-eligible items, like infant formula. The stolen goods were packaged in storage units and loaded into vans and trucks for shipment to California. In total, A. Manolea and C. Manolea are responsible for  stolen benefits valued at almost $27,000.

On November 12, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 26-count indictment charging A. Manolea, C. Manolea and their co-conspirators with conspiracy to defraud the United States, unauthorized use of access devices, possession, production, and trafficking of device-making equipment, and aggravated identity theft.

A. Manolea and C. Manolea face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. C. Manolea will be sentenced on May 22, 2026, and A. Manolea will be sentenced on May 29, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

As part of the plea agreement, A. Manolea and C. Manolea agreed to pay restitution in full.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation are investigating the case with assistance from the United States Marshals Service for the District of Oregon, Eastern District of California, and the Central District of California, and the Oregon Department of Human Services. Geoffrey A. Barrow and Nicholas D. Meyers, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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Nehalem Woman Pleads Guilty To Stealing From The U.S. Postal Service (Photo) - 04/29/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A former Postal Service employee pleaded guilty yesterday for engaging in a scheme to steal money orders from the U.S. Postal Service.

Jessica Alires, 46, of Nehalem, Oregon, pleaded guilty to misappropriation of postal funds.

According to court documents, from September 2024 through December 2024, as a U.S. Postal Service employee in Wheeler, Oregon, Alires voided money orders in the U.S. Postal Service electronic system after issuing them to paying customers. She then reissued the money orders and took them for herself. Alires also issued herself money orders reporting false cash and debit and credit payments to cover the cost of the money orders she issued to herself.

In addition to her money order scheme, Alires stole a credit card in the mail and charged $500 to purchase a money order and stole a letter from the mail containing $200 in cash.

On February 19, 2026, Alires was charged by information with misappropriation of postal funds.

Alires faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on October 14, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Alires has agreed to pay restitution in full.

The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Cardani is prosecuting the case.

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Former U.S. Postal Service Employee Sentenced To Federal Prison For Stealing Mail (Photo) - 04/28/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Burns, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for repeatedly stealing mail while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee at the Hines, Oregon Post Office.

Patrick Wright, 44, was sentenced to 45 days in federal prison and two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay over $2000 in restitution.

According to court documents, from January 2024 through June 2024, while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee, Wright opened mail and stole the contents, including money and gift cards.

On April 17, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a one-count indictment charging Wright with theft of mail by a postal employee.

Wright pleaded guilty today to Count One.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Sweet.

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