Two Horses Seized As Part Of Neglect Investigation (Photo) -07/24/25

On July 21, 2025, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) deputies were dispatched to a livestock compliant in the 10000 block of NW Shelton Road in rural Carlton.  A sergeant and deputy observed two malnourished horses with one appearing in need of medical attention.  The condition of the horses was documented, with one horse appearing to be several hundred pounds underweight. Sergeant Eric Stoneberg began authoring a search warrant.  On July 22, 2025, the Sheriff's Office executed the search warrant.  

 

Both horses were seized and an exam was done at the property by a local veterinarian.  After the initial exam, the horses were removed from the property by volunteers for rehabilitation while the investigation is ongoing.

 

The YCSO is fortunate to have staff who are very familiar with livestock among the patrol division.  These individuals have many years of training, law enforcement experience as well as personal experience with livestock.  We appreciate the assistance of Carlton Veterinary Hospital and Sound Equine Options.

 

The case remains open pending further investigation and full medical evaluations of both horses.

Ongoing Narcotics Investigation Leads To Arrests In McMinnville, Children Exposed To Dangerous Drugs (Photo) -07/23/25

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, detectives with the Yamhill County Street Crimes and Narcotics (SCAN) Team continued an ongoing drug investigation with the execution of a search warrant at a residence located at 291 SW Mt Rainier Street in McMinnville. SCAN was assisted by members of the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office the McMinnville Police Department and the Newberg Dundee Police Department.

During the operation, two individuals—Shane William Cooper (35) and Sarah Tiffany Ramirez (34)—were taken into custody. Also found at the residence were Ms. Ramirez’s three juvenile children.

 

A search of the property revealed evidence consistent with the possession and delivery of fentanyl, including factors that elevate the case to a commercial drug offense. Additional evidence of methamphetamine possession was also located.

 

Mr. Cooper, a registered sex offender, is legally prohibited from contact with minor children. Evidence at the scene indicated he had been living at the residence in violation of that restriction and was out of compliance with his sex offender registration requirements.

 

Mr. Cooper was arrested and lodged at the Yamhill County Jail on the following charges:

• Probation Violation
• Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
• Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine
• Unlawful Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)
• Unlawful Delivery of Schedule II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)

Ms. Ramirez was arrested and lodged on the following charges:

• Endangering the Welfare of a Minor (3 counts)
• Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine
• Unlawful Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)
• Unlawful Delivery of Schedule II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) responded to the scene and ensured the children received immediate medical evaluations. Testing indicated presumptive positive results for both fentanyl and amphetamines in all three children. DHS has placed them in a safe environment while the investigation continues.

 

This case has been forwarded to the Yamhill County District Attorney’s Office for further review and the investigation is continuing.