Mexican National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possession With Intent To Distribute Fentanyl (Photo) - 08/14/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Eduardo Misael Garcia-Sanchez, 29, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison and 4 years’ supervised release announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. In imposing the sentence, the court found that the defendant, based upon his prior drug dealing convictions, qualified as a career offender.

“This case showed true teamwork amongst our law enforcement agencies to bring this drug dealer to justice. I am grateful for the partnership and hard work of our law enforcement. With these brave men and women, we are able to disrupt the distribution of dangerous drugs in our Oregon communities,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, On August 5, 2025, investigators with Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) were investigating a Portland, Oregon area drug dealer. During the investigation, a vehicle operated by Garcia-Sanchez was identified as likely supplying various drug dealers. Investigators followed Garcia-Sachez’ vehicle as it travelled out of Portland, Oregon. An Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper was able to conduct a traffic stop of Garcia-Sanchez. During the stop investigators observed a large bundle of cash and apparent heroin in the vehicle.

Investigators then placed Garcia-Sanchez in custody. Garcia-Sanchez’ vehicle contained a clear plastic bag underneath the driver’s seat containing approximately 10 individual bindles of fentanyl, which appeared pre-packaged for sale. Investigators recovered from the vehicle the approximate totals of; 120.9 grams of fentanyl powder, 51.8 grams of heroin, and $5,349 in U.S. Currency.

Following the seizure and arrest, Garcia-Sanchez was taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center in Portland, Oregon and placed on a federal hold for these offenses.

On May 12, 2026, the defendant pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment which charged him with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

On September 3, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 2-count indictment charging Garcia-Sanchez with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

This case was investigated by FBI and CCITF with assistance from OSP. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin.

The Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (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 comprises 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 funding from the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

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.

This case 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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Honduran National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Sentenced To 21 Years In Federal Prison For Distribution Of Fentanyl Resulting In Death (Photo) - 08/13/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison today for distribution of fentanyl resulting in the fatal overdose death of a Portland man and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. Gomez-Soto had more than two prior deportations and a prior drug dealing conviction.

Hugo Gomez-Soto, 51, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release.

“This case is a stark reminder of the danger fentanyl poses to our community. The defendant was peddling death, and this time it resulted in the tragic loss of a young man’s life.” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family. Fentanyl is deadly and leaves devastation for families in its’ wake. As this case shows, my office will do everything we can to hold these merchants of death accountable for the destruction they cause to the community and pursue justice for the victims and their families.”

“While this sentence is truly justified, no amount of prison time and no amount of restitution will bring back a lost loved one,” said Acting HSI Seattle Special Agent in Charge April Miller.  “We want to thank our Portland Police Bureau partners for their work on this case.  Together, we can make an impact against those like Mr. Gomez-Soto, who harm our communities with fentanyl and other illegal narcotics.”

According to trial testimony, Gomez-Soto sold the victim illicit fentanyl, in the form of powder and counterfeit pills. The following day the victim, a 29-year-old resident of Southwest Portland, used some of the fentanyl and died moments later.

On January 25, 2024, a Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officer used the victim’s phone, pretending to be the victim, to buy drugs from Gomez-Soto. When Gomez-Soto arrived at the deal, he was arrested on state charges. At the time of the arrest, Gomez-Soto possessed both fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.

The police referred the case to the Multnomah District Attorney’s Office who charged Gomez-Soto with negligent homicide and multiple counts of delivery of a controlled substance.

On May 5, 2025, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office asked the U.S. Attorney’s Office to review the case for federal prosecution. On May 9, 2025, with the assistance of an Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and PPB, a federal criminal complaint was filed charging Gomez-Soto with the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On June 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Gomez-Soto with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On April 13, 2026, after a six-day trial, a federal jury found Gomez-Soto guilty of distributing fentanyl that resulted in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the PPB Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit with assistance from HSI and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott M. Kerin and Nicole Bockelman.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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U.S. Department Of Justice Awards Over $3 Million To Oregon Communities To Improve Public Safety (Photo) - 08/11/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— The Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component under the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, awarded over $3 Million in Fiscal Year 2025 to support Oregon’s state, local, and tribal governments in criminal justice activities to keep Oregon communities safe.

The awards, provided through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, represent the nation’s leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. Across the United States nearly $290 million was awarded. For more than 20 years, the JAG program has provided critical funding to support law enforcement’s ability to protect the communities they serve, supporting critical needs such as personnel, equipment and supplies, technology, training, information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings, and other operational priorities. JAG funding also supports a wide range of programs that strengthen crime prevention efforts and enhance the effectiveness of prosecutors, courts, corrections agencies, and services for crime victims and witnesses.

In addition to foundational uses of JAG funds, specific areas of emphasis were included to the JAG funding opportunities highlighting and encouraging state and local jurisdictions to join federal law enforcement in addressing the most pressing public safety challenges. For Fiscal Year 2025, these areas of emphasis included combatting violent crime, immigration enforcement, safe communities, and safe houses of worship.

In Oregon for 2025 many of our cities received grant assistance to support their work in public safety.

All recipients for both state and local JAG awards can be found here.

About the Office of Justice Programs

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation's capacity to prevent and reduce crime; promote fair and impartial administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking or SMART Office – can be found at ojp.gov.

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Mexican National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Pleads Guilty To Firearms Offenses (Photo) - 08/06/26

MEDFORD, Ore.—A Mexican National unlawfully residing in the United States, Samuel Rodrigo Melo Santos, 27, pleaded guilty to alien in possession of a firearm, and making false statements in acquisition of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, in July 2025, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigators, as part of a compliance inspection, began reviewing ATF Form 4473, known as the Firearms Transaction Records, of a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in Cave Junction, Oregon. ATF Form 4473 must be completed by the person who is purchasing a firearm. During the inspection, investigators observed repeated sales of the same make and model of firearm by a group of individuals sharing the same address in O’Brien and Medford, Oregon, indicative of firearms trafficking.

On ATF Form 4473, defendants wrote “Mexico” for place of birth and checked the box next to the United States for country of citizenship. An immigration query into Melo Santos, and his co-defendants, concluded they have no legal status and are residing unlawfully in the United States.

Melo Santos told law enforcement that he bought firearms and sold them to anyone, including people who couldn’t legally buy them. Melo Santos purchased 91 firearms for $56,448 between May 2024 and July 2025 and 40,000 rounds of ammunition. One of these firearms was later found in Mexico. As part of the plea agreement, Melo Santos agreed to forfeit any criminally derived proceeds and property used to facilitate his crimes identified by the government prior to sentencing

Melo Santos faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release. Melo Santos will be sentenced on October 9, 2026, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane.

On December 18, 2025, Melo Santos, and three co-defendants made their first appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Co-defendants Samuel Amador Ortega, Aldo Melo Amador, and Oscar Amador Ortega are awaiting trial.

ATF is investigating the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Harper is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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Iranian National Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Commit Healthcare Fraud (Photo) - 08/05/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Iranian National residing in Coos Bay pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.

Mehrdad Gerami, Age 67, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.

According to court documents, from 2021 to the present, Gerami was the owner and operator of Coastal Diagnostic Testing Group (CDTG).  CDTG operates out of Coos Bay, Brookings, Reedsport, Florence, and Roseburg, Oregon.  He and his employees overcharged the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Veteran’s Health Administration (VA), and numerous private insurance companies for intensive, in-office sleep studies.  CDTG billed for the more expensive in-office sleep studies when more inexpensive at-home sleep studies were actually conducted. Additionally, to generate more revenue in certain offices during months of low productivity, defendant instructed staff to falsely bill for sleep studies using patient information despite the studies never occurring on those dates. Gerami oversaw all aspects of the company’s operation and conspired with and directed employees to bill fraudulently.  The estimated loss is $2,124,363.41.

On June 22, 2026, Gerami was charged by Information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

Gerami faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release. 

Gerami will be sentenced on January 26, 2027, before a U.S. district court judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Gerami has agreed to pay restitution in full to his victims.

This case was investigated by Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Huynh and Julia Jarrett are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, 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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Springfield Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Distribution Of Methamphetamine (Photo) - 08/05/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

Robert Eugene Josh Jr, 65, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release. 25 months of the sentence was ordered to be served consecutively to a separate case.

According to court documents, in January 2024, Josh Jr. possessed almost three pounds of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. In late January 2024, as part of a larger federal and state investigation, Eugene Police Department officers stopped Josh Jr.’s vehicle and located almost three pounds of methamphetamine. Josh Jr. told the officers he purchased the methamphetamine, was acting as a middleman, and was going to sell it to somebody else for a profit. Josh Jr. was also arrested for a shooting as part of a drug deal gone bad. Josh Jr. was convicted in Marion County Circuit Court of attempted assault I and unlawful use of a weapon. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison related to the shooting.

On May 5, 2026, Josh Jr. pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

On June 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Josh Jr. with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Eugene Police Department and the Springfield Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Sweet.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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Yamhill County Photographer Sentenced To 40 Years In Federal Prison For Production Of Child Sexual Abuse Material (Photo) - 08/05/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Carlton, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for 8 counts of production of child sexual abuse material announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

Robert Koester, 59, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison and lifetime supervised release.

“Koester’s crimes against children are among the worst this district has seen. His violent abuse of these girls created scars they will carry their entire lives, and the images of that abuse will haunt them. I hope today’s sentence brings a measure of justice and healing for the victims. I am grateful for the work of the many investigative agencies that worked tirelessly to bring this terror against these teens to an end. The sentence of 40 years provides safety to Oregon and California and is emblematic of the violent crimes he committed,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“Today’s sentence underscores how seriously the FBI and our partners take crimes against children,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Koester used his role as a photographer to gain the trust of young people who were simply looking for a chance to pursue their dreams, and he exploited that trust. The courage these victims showed in coming forward made this outcome possible, and we stand with them as they continue to heal. We’re grateful for the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in bringing this case to the finish line. What happened here caused real harm, and there is no place for this behavior in our community.”

According to court documents, Koester used his professional position as a photographer to meet and earn the trust of teenage girls who were pursuing careers in modeling. He exploited that trust by drugging, molesting, strangling, and raping the victims. He recorded much of this abuse and sold the child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to others.

Koester was a professional photographer who took photographs of aspiring models and did photography work for modeling agencies. Over the course of four years, from early 2015 through late 2018, Koester lured numerous teenage girls to his residence and other locations across California and Oregon. He enticed the girls with the promise of a career in the fashion industry through his modeling agency, Frank Model Management. He encouraged them to travel to his residence in Oregon, even paying for their flights. The children would stay in his residence for multiple days and participate in photo shoots.

During this time, Koester offered the victims alcohol and drugs, including marijuana and cocaine. He coerced them to do nude photo shoots by first showing them images of naked models, then convincing them to remove their clothes. He photographed the victims in revealing positions, sometimes using hidden cameras to capture more explicit angles without the victims’ knowledge. Koester further used GHB and other intoxicants to drug the girls, rendering them unconscious. He then abused the unconscious children sexually and physically and recorded the assaults. Koester often became violent in these assaults, strangling and slapping the girls. After the drugged assaults, he left the victims to wake up alone. Some of the victims were also coerced into engaging in sexual acts with him while awake. He recorded this abuse as well. Koester maintained a large collection of this self-produced CSAM, which included thousands of images. Koester was in his late forties and early fifties when these crimes occurred, and the girls were as young as fifteen.

Multiple children reported that Koester showed them the images of their own abuse and laugh while displaying the images of the abusive acts to them.  

In addition to criminally prosecuting Koester, the U.S. Attorney’s Office forfeited his Oregon residence in a civil forfeiture case, netting $750,000 in the sale. The criminal case also forfeited a large amount of photographic and digital equipment.

On November 13, 2018, Koester was arrested by California authorities.

Koester has pleaded guilty to related conduct in San Diego, California, and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. 

Koester also pleaded guilty to related conduct in Yamhill County, Oregon, and was sentenced to 50 years in prison.  He will serve those sentences concurrently with the federal sentence imposed today.

On July 16, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 6-count indictment charging Koester with production of child sexual abuse material.

On August 19, 2020, Oregon adopted, from the District of Southern California, a 2-count information charging Koester with production of child sexual abuse material.

On March 10, 2026, Koester pleaded guilty to all 8 counts of production of child sexual abuse material in the two federal cases.

This case was investigated by FBI San Diego, FBI Portland, Carlsbad Police Department, and Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Sussman, Kate Rochat, Mira Chernick, and Julia Jarett.

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.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are 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.

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Umatilla County Man Sentenced In Armed Casino Robbery (Photo) - 08/04/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Umatilla County man was sentenced to federal prison today for interference with commerce by robbery, felon in possession of a firearm with an armed career criminal enhancement, and attempt to commit murder.

Javier Vigil, 55, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $2,040.71 in restitution to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation.

“Vigil gambled and lost when he chose to rob this casino with a gun. His violent actions endangered innocent employees, patrons, and a law enforcement officer. He deserved and received the full consequences under federal law. Our tribal communities are incredibly important to me, and I will use every available federal resource to protect them and pursue justice on their behalf. I am also extremely grateful to the law enforcement officer, who risked his life that day to stop this defendant from harming anyone else.” Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney

According to court documents, on August 17, 2022, Javier Vigil went to the Wildhorse Resort and Casino on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, in Pendleton, Oregon and passed a note demanding $1,000,000 from the cash cage teller. He then drew a pistol and pointed it at the teller. While the tellers gathered cash, he made threatening statements.

After he received over $69,000, he walked out of the casino.

Upon seeing a tribal police officer Vigil raised his firearm and shot at the officer.

Vigil and the officer exchanged gunfire, which resulted in Vigil being shot and falling to the ground. Vigil was then arrested on federal charges for this crime. A bystander outside the casino was also injured from a stray bullet.

Investigators learned that Vigil acquired the firearm around August 3, 2022, about two weeks prior to the robbery and shooting.

On December 19, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 6-count superseding indictment charging Vigil with interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, felon in possession of a firearm with an armed career criminal enhancement, attempt to commit murder, and assault with a dangerous weapon.

On April 7, 2026, on the second day of trial, Vigil pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery, felon in possession of a firearm with an armed career criminal enhancement, and attempt to commit murder.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Umatilla Tribal Police Department, with the assistance of ATF, the Hermiston Police Department, the Pendleton Police Department, Oregon State Police, Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, and Morrow County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassady Adams and Arin Heinz prosecuted the case.

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Oregon Department Of Corrections Officer Charged With Cyberstalking (Photo) - 07/30/26

PORTLAND, Ore. - A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging an Oregon Department of Corrections Officer with cyberstalking his ex-girlfriend from January 2024 to October 2024.

According to court documents, following a breakup with the victim, Jack Daniel Rowlett, 46, created fake social media profiles on Facebook, posing as other men. Using the fake profiles, Rowlett posted offensive and degrading claims about the victim, including false claims about the victim’s sexual history with the men depicted in the fake accounts. The posts caused the victim significant emotional distress and reputational harm. When the victim sought a protective order in state court against Rowlett for making the harassing posts, Rowlett fought the protective order and denied responsibility for the conduct. Through the federal investigation Rowlett has now been linked to the posts he denied responsibility for.

Rowlett made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending further court proceedings.

If convicted, Rowlett faces a maximum of five years in federal prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

The FBI investigated the case. The Oregon Department of Corrections cooperated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arin C. Heinz and Natasha M. Geiling are prosecuting the case.

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Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy Charged With Child Exploitation Offenses (Photo) - 07/29/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with actual and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor, and receipt of child sexual abuse material.

Dylan Ford, 29, made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

According to court documents, Ford allegedly exchanged sexually explicit chats, images, and videos with multiple children under the age of 16. He used Telegram, an encrypted chat platform, and disappearing photo apps to begin conversations that would develop into sexual exchanges with the children. As part of their investigation, state and federal investigators obtained a search warrant and searched Ford’s cell phone. Ford’s phone contained numerous conversations with self-described minors in which he enticed the children into sending him custom child sexual abuse material, including instructing specific sexual acts involving the use of household items. Investigators also located a video depicting a distressed, crying minor carrying out various sexual acts. In some of the chats, Ford sent minors a colleague’s social media profile photo in an apparent effort to shield his identity.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office immediately upon becoming aware of the possibility that Ford was engaging in this activity. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office then contacted the FBI to collaborate on the investigation.

Ford was arrested on July 28, 2026, by the FBI.

This case was investigated by the FBI in coordination with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will McLaren.

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 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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Private Tutor Sentenced To Federal Prison For Sexual Exploitation Of Children (Photo) - 07/29/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Beaverton, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually exploiting a child online.

Erlend Secret Vikar aka Joshua Evan Huff, 41, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and 30 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to one of the victims.

“Internet crimes that exploit children are deplorable and lead to long-term impacts to the children who are targeted and victimized,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Today’s 15-year sentence reflects that seriousness. Our office is dedicated to protecting children from these insidious crimes.”

According to court documents, from around November 2022 through August 2023, Vikar messaged and video chatted with a 16-year-old child who lives in Germany, coercing her to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Vikar met the victim on Reddit and later communicated with the child on Discord. He was able to gain the victim’s trust and then sent the victim pornographic videos and photos and coerced the minor to send him sexually explicit photos and videos. Many of the videos he received of the minor were made according to his requests. He further coerced the victim to contact other men online.  Vikar, who had legally changed his name from Joshua Evan Huff is believed to have worked as a Private Tutor in Beaverton.  

Vikar was arrested in October 2024 in Cloverdale, Virginia.

On November 19, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 2-count indictment charging Erlend Vikar with coercion and enticement of a minor and sexual exploitation of children.

On April 27, 2026, Vikar pleaded guilty to the charge sexual exploitation of children.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez.

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 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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Portland Woman Pleads Guilty To Assaulting A Federal Officer (Photo) - 07/29/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, woman pleaded guilty on July 23, 2026, for assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Oriana Korol, 39, pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging assault of a federal officer.

According to court documents, on October 12, 2025, federal officers were clearing the driveway of an ICE facility in South Portland to allow employees to exit. While law enforcement was arresting another person a short distance away from the property, Korol interfered with the arrest of that person and, after being moved away from the arrest, kicked a federal officer.   

Korol faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. She will be sentenced on August 24, 2026, before a U.S. magistrate court judge.

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

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

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Portland Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material (Photo) - 07/29/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for possessing child sexual abuse material.

Walter Albert Sebaste, 41, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and 10 years’ supervised release.

“Crimes against children are a priority for my office. Children are the future of our nation. Their abuse is magnified when it is recorded and accessed by criminals such as Walter Sebaste,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Today’s sentence is a reflection of the serious harm caused every time a child’s abuse is viewed, and the culmination of the hard work of the FBI and our office to hold abusers accountable.”

“Today’s sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of the FBI and our partners to protect children and hold child sex offenders accountable,” said the FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Our work is driven by the courage of victims, and we stand with them as they seek justice and healing. We are grateful for the partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in bringing offenders like Walter Sebaste before the court. These crimes cause profound harm, and there is absolutely no place for them in our community.”

On September 19, 2025, Sebaste’s residence in Portland was searched and his electronic devices were seized. Sebaste was in possession of over 1000 images of child sexual abuse material.

On February 19, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Sebaste  with possession of child pornography.

On April 30, 2026, Sebaste pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material.

This case was investigated by FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rochat.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are 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 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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Portland Woman Pleads Guilty To Interfering With Federal Law Enforcement (Photo) - 07/28/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Today Katherine Vogel, 39, pleaded guilty to Interfering with Federal Law Enforcement.

According to court documents, on or about September 30, 2025, Vogel was on the federal property grounds of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Building applying red paint to the ICE facility. Federal law enforcement agents then attempted to arrest Vogel. She failed to comply and forcibly interfered with the lawful direction of the federal officers during the arrest.

On June 22, 2026, Vogel was charged by superseding information with interfering with federal law enforcement and failing to obey a lawful order.

Vogel faces a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison, a $100,000 fine, and 1 year of probation.

She will be sentenced on October 21, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

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

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Venezuelan National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Pleads Guilty To Damaging Government Vehicle (Photo) - 07/28/26

Gresham Man Pleads Guilty To Assaulting A Federal Law Enforcement Officer During Weekend Riot Near Local ICE Office (Photo) - 07/27/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Gresham, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today after he was charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer during a declared riot near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Ginovanni Joseph Brumbelow, 22, pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.

According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Brumbelow struck a federal officer in the back of the head with a wooden stake while the officer was arresting another individual during a riot at the ICE facility in South Portland.

On July 15, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Brumbelow with assault on a federal officer, assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and civil disorder.

Brumbelow faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on October 19, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

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

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

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

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Registered Sex Offender Accused Of Possessing Obscene Images (Photo) - 07/23/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment Tuesday charging a Hillsboro, Oregon man with possessing images depicting the sexual abuse of children.
 

Daniel Bostwick, 69, has been charged with a single count of possession of obscene visual representations of child sex abuse.
 

According to court documents, Bostwick was on state parole following a previous conviction for Sexual Abuse in the First Degree under Oregon law.  Bostwick was subject to device monitoring as a condition of his parole. In April, two sexualized images of children were detected on Bostwick’s cellphone. A subsequent search of Bostwick’s phone and a thumb drive resulted in the recovery of dozens of images depicting the sexual abuse of children, which appeared to have been generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
 

Bostwick made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a 3-day jury trial scheduled to begin on September 22, 2026.
 

If convicted, Bostwick faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum sentence of twenty years in federal prison, a term of supervised release of at least five years up to life, and a fine of $250,000.
 

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

The FBI and Washington County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick is prosecuting the case.
 

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

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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