Deschutes Co. Sheriff's Office
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News Releases
SAR
SAR
Avalanche at Paulina Peak Claims Life of Snowboarder (Photo) - 03/16/23

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall 

Release Date: March 16, 2023 

Location: Paulina Peak, Newberry National Volcanic Monument 

Snowboarder #1: Hefflefinger, Erik Maxim 33-year-old male, Bend Oregon, deceased. 

Skier #1: Minsker, Ian, 44-year-old male, Bend, Oregon 

Skier #2: Delashmutt, Ari, 34-year-old male, Bend, Oregon 

  

Narrative: 

On March 15, 2023, at 12:48 pm, The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) unit was dispatched to a report of an avalanche at Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Paulina Peak.  

The reporting party, the International Emergency Coordination Response Center (IERCC) advised Deschutes County 911 they had received an SOS alarm from a device and provided GPS coordinates for the location of the device.  

The IERCC coordinates search and rescue services initiated by SOS alerts received from a supported device with an active satellite, cellular or other communication network service plan. 

At 12:54 pm, the IERCC received a second message from the device stating there had been an avalanche, a subject was not breathing, and that CPR was in progress. 

The subject caught in the avalanche was later determined to be Erik Hefflefinger, a Bend resident. According to the friends/skiers on scene they witnessed the avalanche from below and saw Hefflefinger being carried over a cliff band by the avalanche debris. Hefflefinger was located by his friends who was not buried by the avalanche, and immediately started lifesaving efforts. 

The Oregon State Police responded to the area, however, were not able to make it to the scene due to snow conditions. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SAR volunteers were transported by Airlink to the area and reached Hefflefinger at 4:00 pm. The 3 SAR volunteers, 2 of which are Advanced Life Support trained, began life saving measures after discovering a faint pulse on Hefflefinger. 

At 5:00 pm, life saving measures were discontinued as it was determined Hefflefinger was beyond help. SAR volunteers assisted with the transportation of Hefflefinger to the 10-mile snow park, where he was released to the funeral home.  

All 3 subjects were equipped with the proper safety equipment to include avalanche safety equipment. 

As a result of the investigation, it was determined Hefflefinger possibly hit a tree while caught in the avalanche debris. The 3 subjects had utilized snowmobiles to approach the area below the visitors center and made a final approach on skis/snowboard.  

Both Delashmutt and Minsker had already began their decent when Hefflefinger was caught up in the avalanche. Delashmutt and Minsker traversed the slope to “skiers right” and Hefflefinger traversed the slope to “skiers left”. It is not believed the avalanche was trigger by the first two subjects down the slope. 

In 2023, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has responded to two avalanche fatalities, prior to these tragedies it has been 9 years since a fatality has been recorded directly due to an avalanche (information from avalanche.org). 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone recreating in the backcountry to ensure that you have the proper equipment and training. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County. 

Attached Media Files: SAR
Community Academy
Community Academy
Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Community Academy (Photo) - 03/14/23

Registration Now Open for 2023 Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Community Academy

Released by: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: March 14, 2023

NARRATIVE:

Registration is now open for the 2023 Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Community Academy, to be held at our Bend office. This 2-week course provides attendees with an in-depth look at the different divisions of the Sheriff’s Office and educates the community about what your Sheriff’s Office does and is responsible for.

In addition to classroom instruction, participants will tour the Deschutes County Jail and Search and Rescue facility. Participants can also go on a patrol ride-a-long and attend an optional Saturday session during the academy, getting hands on training in law enforcement scenarios and emergency vehicle operations.

There is no cost to attend this academy, which is scheduled for the following dates and times:

Tuesday, May 2, 2023, 6pm-9pm

Thursday, May 4, 2023, 6pm-9pm

Saturday, May 6, 2023, 8am-5pm (optional day)

Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 6pm-9pm

Thursday, May 11, 2023, 6pm-9pm

The deadline for receiving applications is April 14, 2023.

Interested persons can pick up an application at the main Sheriff’s Office in Bend at 63333 West Highway 20, Bend, OR 97703. Additional information and an on-line application can also be found at www.deschutes.org/sheriff. (Click on “Community” then “Community Programs” and then select “Community Academy”).

Anyone with questions can call Lt. Bryan Husband at 541-617-3354.

Attached Media Files: Community Academy
Shred Event
Shred Event
Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Offers Free Shred Event (Photo) - 03/13/23

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is hosting free community shred events and drug disposal with the assistance of Republic Services on the following dates from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 

March 18th, Bend: 63333 US-20, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office 

May 20th, La Pine: 51340 US-97, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office sub-station, La Pine 

July 22nd, Sisters: 703 N Larch Street, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Sisters 

September 16th, Terrebonne: Terrebonne Elementary School at 1199 B Avenue 

These are residential free shred events and are not intended for business/commercial shredding.  

We can accept paper clips and staples but cannot take plastic bags or three ring binders. We are asking that people limit the number of documents to be shredded to no more than four boxes.  

If you have more than four boxes of material to be shredded, we are asking that you contact Republic Services at 541-352-2263 to determine how to dispose of your items.  

Medications accepted are prescription, patches, ointments, over the counter, vitamins, samples, and medications for pets. 

NO SHARPS, THERMOMETERS, INHALERS, ETC.  

New to the shred event and drug disposal is a flag disposal. If anyone has an old tattered American flag, they would like properly disposed of it can be done at these events.  

Food donations are also accepted during the event, which will go to a local foodbank. 

Attached Media Files: Shred Event
Gherka
Gherka
Suspected Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Seized as a Result of Residential Search Warrant in Redmond (Photo) - 03/09/23

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall 

Release Date: March 9th, 2023 

Arrested: Grubb, Thomas Cole 39-year-old male, Redmond, Oregon 

Charges: Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine (Felony), Delivery of a Schedule I Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine (Felony), Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon-2 counts, Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substance are Used 

Arrested: Newcomb, Zecheriah Graham 27-year-old male, Redmond, Oregon 

Charges: Felony Warrant- Parole Violation, Supplying Contraband (Fentanyl) 

Location: 2300 Block of SW Salmon Ave. Redmond, Oregon. 

Narrative: 

On March 8th, 2023, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit (SCU), the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and the Redmond Police Department Street Crimes Unit (SCU), executed a search warrant, at a single-family residence, on the 2300 block of SW Salmon Ave within the city of Redmond. 

This home and several occupants were the subject of a long-term controlled substance investigation. 

Investigators from both the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Redmond Police Department SCU had received numerous tips from the community regarding suspicious drug related activity at the residence.  

Several community members reported suspected drug trafficking from the residence along with general quality of life complaints stemming from the suspected drug trafficking in their neighborhood. 

Utilizing various investigative means, detectives learned the primary resident, Thomas Cole Grubb was selling methamphetamine from his residence.  

Investigators also learned that several wanted individuals with significant criminal history frequented the residence. Additionally, there had been several reported overdoses at the residence and citizen tips indicated the sales of counterfeit oxycodone (fentanyl) pills being sold directly from the residence. 

Investigators applied for and were granted a search warrant for the residence. Investigators learned through the course of the investigation numerous individuals with significant criminal history frequented and resided at the dwelling. Due to this information, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team was requested to execute the search warrant for the safety of the community, officers, and subjects located at the residence. 

The SWAT team encountered 8 individuals inside the residence during the search warrant and detectives seized commercial quantities of methamphetamine and counterfeit oxycodone (fentanyl) pills. 

Grubb was arrested and charged with Possession and Delivery of a Schedule I Controlled Substance and Zecheriah Newcomb was arrested on a felony parole violation warrant.  

While lodging Newcomb at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Adult Jail booking deputies identified that Newcomb had secreted counterfeit oxycodone (fentanyl) pills in a body cavity. He was subsequently charged with introducing contraband into a public safety facility. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Redmond Police Department for their assistance with this investigation. 

Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.    

Attached Media Files: Gherka
Heroin
Heroin
Nearly One Pound of Heroin Seized as a Result of Search Warrant (Photo) - 03/08/23

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall 

Release Date: March 8th, 2023 

Arrestee: Ashbaugh, Kenneth Roy, 61-year-old male, transient 

Charges: Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance (heroin, felony), Delivery of a Schedule I Controlled Substance (heroin, felony). 

Narrative: 

On February 28th, 2023, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit (SCU) conducted a short-term investigation into Kenneth Roy Ashbaugh for the distribution of heroin in the Deschutes County area. 

Utilizing various investigative means, investigators learned Ashbaugh was distributing heroin at several houseless encampments in the China Hat area of Bend, Oregon. During the investigation, investigators determined Ashbaugh was receiving commercial quantities of controlled substances from a drug trafficking organization based out of Mexico. 

SCU investigators were able to identify a storage unit Ashbaugh was renting in the Redmond area. Investigators applied for and were granted a search warrant for the storage unit. During the execution of the search warrant, detectives located a commercial quantity of suspected heroin. 

On March 2nd, 2023, SCU investigators contacted Ashbaugh in the Terrebonne area. Ashbaugh was taken into custody and transported to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail where he was lodged on the above-mentioned charges. 

SCU detectives were assisted in this investigation by detectives from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team.

Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.   

Attached Media Files: Heroin
Media Release
Media Release
Vandals Damage New Construction in Sisters, Sheriff's Office Requesting Publics Assistance (Photo) - 03/08/23

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall 

Release Date: March 08, 2023 

Narrative: 

On March 7th, 2023, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of vandalism affecting the new construction in the 600 block of North Reed Street in Sisters. 

Deputies were advised a property manager had completed a site visit of the new construction homes and witnessed what is suspected to be bullet holes in the exterior siding, interior drywall, and a window. 

Upon arrival deputies confirmed the damage to the new construction home, which was confirmed to be vacant at the time of the vandalism.  

Deputies conducted a neighborhood canvas, and determined as a result the incident possibly took place between 2:30 pm on March 3rd and 4: 00 pm on March 7th. Currently there is no suspect information. 

The Deschutes County Sherriff's Office is requesting assistance from the public, specifically those who reside in the McKenzie Meadows Village sub-division and may have external surveillance (i.e. Ring, Arlo, Nest) on their residences.  

If any suspicious surveillance is located and possibly related to this time frame and incident, please contact Deschutes County 911 Dispatch at the non-emergency number, 541-693-6911 and reference case number 23-12419. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County. 

Attached Media Files: Media Release
DCSO and Oregon DHS to Complete Outreach to DeschutesAlerts Subscribers with Additional Needs - 03/06/23

Released By: Sergeant Nathan Garibay

Release Date: March 6, 2023

Starting this week, the Oregon Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, will conduct phone and email outreach to certain people who have signed up for Deschutes Alerts.  

Deschutes Alerts is one way first responders in Deschutes County notify people of life-threatening emergencies such as wildfires. If you live or work in Deschutes County, you should sign up for Deschutes Alerts. 

When people sign up for Deschutes Alerts, they can identify as having one or more additional needs such as medical oxygen dependency, dialysis or wheelchair/mobility challenges. There are 11 additional need categories. If you are a person who has signed up for Deschutes Alerts and have also identified as having one or more additional needs, Oregon Department of Human Services may contact you to help you update your information.  
 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is committed to helping connect people in our community to emergency information through the Deschutes Alerts program.  
 

You can log into your Deschutes Alerts account or create a new account by visiting DeschutesAlerts.org. If you need assistance accessing or creating an account, please call 541-388-6501 during business hours. If you want to find another Oregon county’s emergency notification system, visit ORAlert.gov.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

 

SAR
SAR
Avalanche at Black Crater Claims Life of Back Country Skier (Photo) - 03/04/23

UPDATE

Released by: Lt. Jayson Janes

Date: March 4, 2023

The identification of the deceased is Aaron Griffith, 46 year old male, Bend. 

 

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: March 3, 2023

Location: Black Crater, Three Sisters Wilderness

Skier #1: 46-year-old male, Bend Oregon, deceased

Skier #2: Name withheld

 

Narrative:

On March 2, 2023, The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue unit was dispatched to a report of an avalanche at Black Crater. Black Crater is a steep-sided shield volcano in the Cascade Range, located north of the Three Sisters and east of McKenzie Pass.

The reporting party (skier#2) advised Deschutes County 911 he and a friend were skiing in the caldera at Black Crater when an avalanche was triggered. Skier #1 was caught up in the avalanche and no longer visible and possibly injured. 

Both skiers were equipped with proper backcountry safety items to include avalanche beacons, shovels, helmets and avalanche probes. The reporting party attempted to locate his friend by utilizing his avalanche beacon, and ultimately was successful. Life saving measure were conducted, however, skier #1 had succumbed to his injuries.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue unit, along with the United States Forest Service responded to the area and assisted Skier #2 to safety. Due to extreme avalanche danger and failing light Search and Rescue personnel halted recovery efforts until daylight on March 3.

Search and Rescue personnel are currently on scene, working with other community partners to safely recover Skier #1. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Attached Media Files: SAR , SAR , Black Crater
Arrest
Arrest
Report of Armed Threat at Sheriff's Office Parking Lot Leads to Pursuit and Arrest (Photo) - 03/03/23

****UPDATE****

Release By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: March 3, 2023

Arrested: Preston-Cooper, Nicholas Ryan, 25-year-old male, Sunriver, Oregon

Charges: Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Discharging a Firearm Across a Highway, Attempted Assault on a Peace Officer, Fleeing/Attempting to Elude Police, Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering Another Person (5 Counts), Menacing, Telephonic Harassment, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony 

 

Narrative:

On March 2, 2023, at 8:56 pm, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a report of a male in front of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail who had fired a round and was waiting for Law Enforcement in the parking lot.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Adult Jail was placed on lock down, during which time investigators attempted to locate and verify the report. The male was not located in the front parking lot and initial searches did not indicate whether or not a live round was fired.

The reporting party who advised Deschutes County 911 of the initial threat was able to provide more information as to the current location of the suspect, later determined to be Preston-Cooper. Investigators were able to locate the suspect vehicle in the Sunriver Business Park where Preston-Cooper was reported to be residing.

Preston-Cooper was witnessed loading items into his Jeep Cherokee and left the business park travelling towards Highway 97. Plain clothes detectives were able to surveil Preston-Cooper until more law enforcement units arrived in the area to assist with a high-risk traffic stop.

Preston-Cooper fled at a high rate of speed once he realized law enforcement was attempting to stop him. Preston-Cooper drove north in the southbound lanes of Highway 97 for a short distance from the Sunriver exit before crossing over the median and then began travelling north in the northbound lanes. 

Law Enforcement did not pursue Preston-Cooper as he drove the wrong way on the highway. Preston-Cooper did eventually cross back over onto the southbound lanes while travelling north from Lava Butte.

Preston-Cooper turned his Jeep Cherokee around near the High Desert Museum entrance and drove south in the southbound lanes at a high rate of speed, at which point law enforcement re-engaged in the pursuit. Law Enforcement was able to successfully spike the vehicle on two occasions as the pursuit continued south towards the Cottonwood Road exit.

Law Enforcement closed northbound traffic on Highway 97 south of the Sunriver exit, and southbound traffic north of the High Desert Museum out of an abundance of caution for other drivers on the highway.

A Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputy was able to immobilize the vehicle with the Pursuit Immobilization Technique at the bottom of the off ramp on Cottonwood Road. Preston-Cooper was taken into custody without incident.

As a result of the investigation and subsequent information provided by Preston-Cooper it was determined he had driven to the parking lot across Highway 20 from the Sheriff’s Office and discharged a single round from a high-powered rifle into the administrative entrance to the adult jail. At which point Preston Cooper drove his Jeep Cherokee into the overflow parking lot of the Sheriff’s Office and waited to be confronted by law enforcement.

Preston-Cooper eventually left the area and returned to the Sunriver Business Park where he loaded 3 firearms, an external plate carrier (ballistic vest) that did not contain ballistic plates, and a tremendous amount of ammunition into the Cherokee.It is the belief of investigators Preston-Cooper had intentions of forcing a confrontation with law enforcement. 

Investigators located the damage created by the single round fired at the administrative entrance to the Adult Jail. The round was able to penetrate the exterior wall of the building, however, came to rest in the interior cinder block wall in the foyer. No Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office employees or civilian staff were present where the round was lodged.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

 

****END OF UPDATE****

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: March 2, 2023, 10:20 pm

Narrative:

On March 2, 2023, at 9:56 pm, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a possible threat at the main office to include the adult jail. Initial reports being received were of an armed subject who had discharged a round at or near the adult jail building.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and City of Bend Police Department responded and secured the area. The Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff’s Office adult jail were also secured.

The suspect alleged to be involved in the active threat report was located in the Sunriver Business Park area. After a vehicle pursuit on Highway 97, the suspect vehicle was disabled with spike strips by law enforcement.

The suspect was contacted as the result of a high-risk traffic stop and taken into custody without incident.  

This is an active investigation, there is no longer a threat to the public. Further information will be released when it becomes available.

END OF RELEASE

Attached Media Files: Arrest
Lab
Lab
Trio Arrested for Attempted Marijuana Exportation After TSA Searches Bag at RDM and Simultaneous Search Warrants Reveals Lab (Photo) - 03/02/23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bend, OR – 

On Wednesday, March 1st, 2023, detectives with the Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team and the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team concluded an investigation involving a Three Rivers area home that is alleged to be growing, processing illicit marijuana, and operating an extraction laboratory in a residential area before exporting it around the United States. 

At the same time, a second team of DCIME / CODE drug agents and detectives with the Redmond Police Department concluded a concurrent investigation involving a Bend couple operating a nationwide distribution operation of Oregon cannabis products from a home in Bend. 

This case began when Paige Lyn Sidler, age 41, of Bend, Oregon attempted to board a commercial flight at the Redmond Municipal Airport. During the security screening process, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Officers inspected Ms. Sidler’s carry-on suitcase and found several packages containing a commercial quantity cannabis concentrate. TSA Officers referred the case to Redmond Police Officers at the airport. Redmond Police Officers conducted the initial investigation and requested the assistance of DCIME detectives. 

Several of the packages found in Ms. Sidler’s suitcase contained commercial-type labeling from illicit cannabis grower later identified as Daniel Jose Aguiar, age 34, of Bend, Oregon. 

The Deschutes County Illicit Marijuana Enforcement Team requested the assistance of the Central Oregon Drug Team to further their investigation. As a result, CODE and DCIME detectives, drug agents, and intelligence analysts conducted surveillance of the Ms. Sidler and Mr. Aguiar. 

On March 1st, 2023, at approximately 7:00 AM, CODE, DCIME, DEA Agents, DCSO Street Crime Unit and Redmond Police Detectives with the assistance of the Deschutes County Sheriff's SWAT Team, executed simultaneous Search Warrants on the 55000 block of Lazy River Drive and the 61400 block of Linton Loop, both in Bend. 

During the execution of the search warrant, Daniel Jose Aguiar and an uninvolved house guest was contacted inside the grow operation. 

During the search warrant on Lazy River, 60 lbs. of processed marijuana flower, 101 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, one firearm, and a large amount of currency were seized. The cannabis extraction lab was also dismantled and seized. 

It was found that Aguiar’s current cannabis harvest was infected by one or more viruses or viroid pathogens.  Although these viruses generally impact the plant’s potency and yield, the danger to humans come from the pesticides used to treat the virus being applied to the plant and transferred to the final product. 

The property also had dangerous electrical wiring conditions, non-permitted electrical panels, exposed electrical wires, unpermitted interior walls, and lacked any safety equipment, proper ventilation, or unsanitary conditions. 

A Deschutes County Building Code Compliance Officer assisted after detectives observed numerous building code violations. These compliance issues have been referred for enforcement against the property owners who live out-of-state. 

The possession of small amounts of marijuana is legal for recreational use in Oregon. However, large, unlicensed marijuana operations remain illegal. These unregulated operations continue pose dangers to the public and the environment. 

Daniel Jose Aguiar arrested at the scene and later cited, in lieu of custody. He was charged with:

ORS 475C.349(3)(b)(A) Attempted Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana Item (more than 12 plants) and 

ORS 475B.349(3)(b)(B) Unlawful Manufacture of more than 2X Products or Concentrates.

During the search warrant on Linton Loop, various processed marijuana products, evidence of the exportation operation, three firearms, and a large amount of currency were seized. Paige Lyn Sidler and her boyfriend, Mark Arie Mehrhof, age 44, of Bend, Oregon, were detained inside the house. 

During the search of the Linton Loop home, Mark Arie Mehrhof was determined to be a co-conspirator with Ms. Sidler in these crimes. 

Paige Lyn Sidler and Mark Arie Mehrhof were arrested at the scene and later cited, in lieu of custody. They were charged with:

ORS 475C.229 (4)(a)(B) Unlawful import/export of marijuana concentrate (more than 16 ounces) and 

ORS 475C.337(3)(c)(B) Possession of marijuana concentrate (more than 8 pounds)

Paige Lyn Sidler was also arrested and cited, in lieu of custody, for the earlier Redmond Airport incident. In that case, Redmond Police Officers charged her with: 

ORS 475C.229 (4)(a)(B) Unlawful import/export of marijuana concentrate (more than 16 ounces)

Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Enforcement (DCIME) program is a partnership between the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, the Bend Police Department, and the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office to address illegal marijuana activity in Deschutes County. 

CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:   Sgt. Kent Vander Kamp, 541-550-4869 or kentv@deschutes.org

 

Attached Media Files: Lab , Grow , Partial Cash , Rifle
Sheriff Stiles
Sheriff Stiles
Celebration of Life and Service of Sheriff (Retired) Les Stiles (Photo) - 03/02/23

Date: March 02, 2023

We are humbled to be a part of the celebration of life and service of Sheriff (retired) Les Stiles.

This will take place Saturday March 4, 2023, at 1:00 pm at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, Middle Sister Building.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests tax deductible donations to the Les Stiles Legacy Leadership Scholarship at the Oregon Community Foundation.

Sheriff Stiles was elected as the 7th Sheriff of Deschutes County and served from 2001 to 2007. He championed and oversaw the implementation of stable funding with the hard work of Sheriff Larry Blanton (at the time serving as Undersheriff), the command staff and teammates at the Sheriff’s Office. 

He oversaw the accreditation of our office (the second Sheriff’s Office in the state to do so at the time), started the Shop with a Cop program, and founded the Sheriff’s Office Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth program (mentoring of children with incarcerated parents) with his wife Carol. His service had a significant positive impact on the future of our office and service to our community.

Sheriff Stiles was a military veteran having served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. He served in law enforcement beginning with Northglenn Police Department in Colorado, as the Chief of the Moab, Utah Police Department, and as a Lieutenant with the Bend Police Department prior to serving as Sheriff. 

Additionally, while with the Bend Police Department, he taught law enforcement classes at the Central Oregon Community College for 17 years and owned a fly-fishing guide service as he was an avid fly fisherman. After retirement, he owned his own consulting business Legacy Leadership, and later served as the Prineville Police Chief. He also taught leadership classes in the Concordia MBA program.

 

Attached Media Files: Sheriff Stiles