Thursday, December 19, 2013

Traffic Stop by ISP Trooper Leads to Dismantling of Marijuana Distribution Network in Oregon and Texas

An investigation involving officers from the Lincoln Interagency Narcotics Team (LINT), Oregon State Police (OSP) HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) team, and Idaho State Police led to the arrest earlier this month of two people in Siletz, Oregon. The investigation stemmed from a traffic stop by Idaho State Police and linked the two listed suspects to a marijuana distribution network originating in Oregon with large quantities destined for Texas. The ongoing investigation has reached a point that information is being released. 

On December 2, 2013, LINT detectives and OSP HIDTA team members became involved in the investigation after two male subjects were stopped by Idaho State Police just over the Oregon border and found to be in possession of over 30 pounds of marijuana. An interagency investigation led to a search warrant being served at 485 Fred Taylor Road in Siletz, Oregon, where the marijuana originated from.

Detectives and officers from OSP and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office seized approximately 46 ounces of marijuana, two firearms, a Honey (hash) Oil lab, and other evidence related to the distribution of marijuana. Detectives learned that large quantities of marijuana were collected from several medical marijuana locations in Lincoln and Lane counties for shipment both by courier and through UPS and FedEx. At the time of serving the search warrant, a 7-year old boy was in the residence along with three adults.

The following two adults were arrested at the Siletz-area residence:

JONATHAN CHARLES OWENS, age 27
* Unlawful Manufacturer, Delivery and Possession of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana
* Felon in Possession of a Firearm
* Child Neglect in the First Degree

JUSTINA FAY REDFEARN, age 25
* Unlawful Delivery and Possession of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana
* Child Neglect in the First Degree

On December 3, a FedEx package addressed to the Siletz-area residence was intercepted. After obtaining a search warrant, the package was inspected by detectives and found to contain a large amount of currency that was seized as part of the investigation.

The investigation is continuing and other arrests are anticipated. No other information is being released at this time.

LINT is comprised of members from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Newport Police Department, Oregon State Police, and Lincoln County District Attorney's Office.