JCSO Case 23-1621
SHADY COVE, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Shady Cove deputies arrested a man after he attempted to break into a local RV park front office Tuesday afternoon in the 21000 block of Highway 62. An observer witnessed the man acting suspiciously in the area and alerted authorities. JCSO deputies responded, detained and identified the suspect discovering he had a total of eight outstanding warrants for his arrest and a parole violation.
While searching the suspect, deputies found 14-grams of methamphetamine on his person. A search of his vehicle uncovered 43.7-grams of fentanyl in multiple baggies packaged for sale, evidence of several additional burglaries, and burglary tools. Medford Police Department (MPD) detectives responded to assist in the investigation and along with JCSO deputies were able to link the suspect to burglaries from throughout the Rogue Valley. During the search, the suspect advised he had stolen keys for approximately 20 local businesses and had hidden them in a local creek. Most of the keys and stolen property was recovered during the investigation.
The suspect, Michael Jonathan Barrett, 48, of Central Point, is charged with two counts of second-degree burglary, first-degree theft, second-degree attempted burglary, third-degree theft, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of a schedule II-controlled substance (fentanyl). He is lodged in the Jackson County Jail and due to his parole violation is not eligible for pre-trial release. Barrett was wanted on failure-to-appear warrants for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle, third-degree theft, identity theft, and second-degree burglary. Barrett’s outstanding warrants included two counts of first-degree theft and second-degree burglary. His parole violation was for unlawful delivery of heroin.
Barrett has been linked to a least two unsolved burglary cases locally. This includes a Medford dental office and a Jacksonville computer store where he stole the keys to local businesses. This case is under further investigation with MPD and JCSO following additional leads and is an example of the great multi-agency law enforcement teamwork we have in the Rogue Valley.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a person’s body size, tolerance and past usage. JCSO deputies seized enough fentanyl in this case to potentially kill nearly 22,000 people.
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Jackson County Sheriff’s Office K9 Ruger has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Ruger’s vest was sponsored by The Peery Family of Cumming, GA and embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by the Peery Family”.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,970 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
IMET Case 23-3239
GOLD HILL, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives raided a former licensed hemp grow last Thursday morning just after 9:00 a.m. outside Gold Hill, Ore. IMET Detectives and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies served the search warrant at a residence in the 1400 block of North River Road in rural Gold Hill. While searching, IMET detectives discovered 1.8 lbs. of cocaine, $12,000 in cash, approximately 94 lbs. of processed black-market marijuana, and 998 illegal cannabis plants. On scene, IMET detectives also located 10 firearms including an illegal short-barreled rifle and one with obliterated serial numbers. The property is suspected of having connections with a drug trafficking organization. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location.
While serving the warrant, one suspect fled the property and detectives attempted to apprehend by calling in K9 and Drone search teams. The suspect was not located after an extensive search. At this time, there is no reason to believe the suspect is a danger to the public. IMET detectives detained and released two people on scene and arrested one, Sergio Avila-Perez, 29, from Mexico. He was lodged in the Jackson County Jail on felony charges of unlawful possession and manufacture of marijuana, as well as unlawful possession of prohibited firearms.
Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene to conduct an independent investigation. Code Enforcement issued citations totaling $9,000 for violations including failure to obtain approvals for non-habitable space converted to living quarters, multiple unpermitted electrical installations, unpermitted plumbing installations, unpermitted greenhouse structure, and failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production.
While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, Medford Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Jackson County Code Enforcement, Oregon Water Resources Department District 13 Watermasters, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.
Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.
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JCSO Case 23-1227
WHITE CITY, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to call from ECSO Dispatch for a hit-and-run driver that crashed into three separate vehicles today around 11:18 a.m. The crashes occurred northbound on Crater Lake Highway between Vilas Road and the White City Rogue Valley Expressway entrance. The suspect and two victims received minor injuries from the crashes and were transported to a local hospital for medical care. The suspect fled the scene of the final crash on foot but was captured by a JCSO deputy responding to the call. The suspect is believed to have been suffering from a mental health crisis during the time of the crashes.
The suspect, Melissa Ann Krevitskie, 29, of Pennsylvania, was cited and released to the care of medical staff due to injuries sustained and her apparent mental health crisis. She is charged with felony hit and run, two counts of third-degree assault, four counts of reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and two counts of hit-and-run property damage. Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation, Fire District 3, and Mercy Flights responded to assist. The case is under further investigation.
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Video available for download: https://vimeo.com/803605514
IMET Case 23-2623
RURAL JACKSONVILLE, Ore. – A January 27 double homicide in Houston, Texas led Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives to a house outside Jacksonville, Ore. IMET Detectives and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies served a search warrant last Wednesday at a property in the 1400 block of Wagon Trail Drive in rural Jacksonville.
On scene, IMET detectives found an unlicensed greenhouse and indoor grow containing approximately 572 black-market marijuana plants. Inside the residence, detectives located approximately 275 lbs. of processed illegal cannabis, two firearms, and $7,600 cash. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. IMET detectives arrested a man connected to the marijuana grow, Baron Erik Munchausen, 36, originally from Houston. He was lodged in the Jackson County Jail.
The black-market marijuana growing and processing operation was uncovered during a Houston Police Department double homicide investigation where two men were found shot to death. The deceased were, Dana Lars Ryssdal, 35, from Oregon, and James Gerald Martin III, 37, who was the rural Jacksonville property owner, although originally from Houston. While investigating the homicide, Houston police found 129 pounds of suspected marijuana, 10 pounds of hash oil, and $36,000 in cash. Martin was 50% owner of Rogue Valley Cannabis, which operates three local marijuana dispensaries.
While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, Medford Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Jackson County Code Enforcement, Oregon Water Resources Department District 13 Watermasters, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.
Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.
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JCSO Case 22-7462
MEDFORD, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force served a search warrant this afternoon at a residence on Jeanette Avenue in Medford. SOCET served the warrant after discovering numerous images of child exploitation were uploaded from the residence. Detectives are interviewing possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) agents, Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF) investigators, Medford Police Department (MPD) and Grants Pass Police Department (GPPD) detectives, and Jackson County District Attorney’s office assisted with the warrant service.
During the warrant investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined by SOHTCTF for further evidence of child exploitation. SOHTCTF consists of high-tech crime detectives from JCSO, Oregon State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and MPD. Tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) started the investigation, which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence.
SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO, GPPD, FBI, and HSI; as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County.
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JCSO Case 23-1167
UPDATE: the SAR Snow-cat located the women and they are healthy. Great job to everyone involved. More information to follow.
SHADY COVE, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is actively searching for two women from Eugene missing out of Shady Cove last night. JCSO deputies searched all night in deep snow, checking multiple travel routes from Jackson County to Eugene before initiating a Search and Rescue (SAR) callout early this morning. Right now, multiple SAR vehicle search teams are out looking with JCSO deputies and family members of the missing women. Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the search efforts.
The missing women left Shady Cove last night at 5:20 p.m. in a grey 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, Oregon license plate number 613HQJ. Missing is Taylor Marie Lange, 21, of Eugene, described as 5’8” tall, weighing 140 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. Also missing is Talia Esther Rosenbloom, 20, of Eugene, described as 5’7” tall, weighing 140 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes.
If you see the vehicle or the missing women, please call or text 911. If you have any information on their whereabouts call ECSO Dispatch at (541) 776-7206.