Wilsonville Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possessing And Transporting Child Sexual Abuse Material (Photo) - 12/08/25

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Wilsonville, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today after a federal jury in Portland found him guilty of transporting and possessing photos and videos depicting child sexual abuse.

Joshan Rohani, 41, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and testimony at trial, between July and December 2021, Rohani participated in at least 34 chatrooms, some of which were focused on sharing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and the sexual exploitation of children, on the New Zealand-based cloud storage and file hosting service Mega. Additionally, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents discovered that Rohani had multiple accounts that had been suspended by Mega due to suspected CSAM.

On May 24, 2022, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Rohani’s residence. Investigators found CSAM on several of the devices seized from Rohani’s residence.

On October 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Rohani with distributing, transporting, accessing with intent to view, and possessing child pornography.

Following a five-day jury trial from December 2 to December 6, 2024, Rohani was convicted of transporting, accessing with intent to view, and possessing child pornography.

“Protecting our children remains our highest priority in the District of Oregon,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Today’s sentence marks an important step to hold this defendant accountable and seek a measure of justice for the victims. Our efforts to combat child exploitation within our community will continue.”

“Securing this lengthy sentence for transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material is a direct result of the incredible partnership between HSI and the District of Oregon to seek justice for the innocent,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “The outstanding outcome of HSI’s investigation reaffirms our commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable.”

This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Newberg-Dundee Police Department and the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs. It was prosecuted by Gary Y. Sussman and Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

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 Man Faces Federal Charges For Child Sex Trafficking (Photo) - 12/05/25

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Portland, Oregon, man appeared in federal court today after being charged and arrested for sex trafficking of a child.

Tyler Matthew Mandera, 25, made his initial appearance in court today after being charged by a federal grand jury for sex trafficking of a child. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on February 3, 2026.

According to court documents, from October 11, 2025, until October 14, 2025, Mandera recruited and enticed a minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts.    

If convicted, Mandera faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, a life-term of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from Tigard Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.  

If you or someone you know are victims of human trafficking or have information about a potential human trafficking situation, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also submit a tip on the NHTRC website.

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Douglas County Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Drug Dealing And Felon In Possession Of Firearms (Photo) - 12/02/25

EUGENE, Ore.—A Douglas County, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for selling fentanyl and methamphetamine and illegally possessing firearms.

Glenn Allen Gearhart, 51, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on October 18, 2024, Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) detectives executed a search warrant on Gearhart’s residence and found evidence of drug dealing including methamphetamine, cocaine, drug records, a set of digital scales, packaging material, four loaded magazines, and ammunition. Just prior to the execution of the search warrant, Gearhart fled from deputies before hitting another vehicle and crashing into a patrol car. Gearhart had more than $5,000, fentanyl, and a round of ammunition on him. In his vehicle, he possessed a stolen pistol, an AR-style rifle, a short-barrel shotgun, another shotgun, and two ammunition cans full of ammunition.

On June 13, 2025, Gearhart was charged by information with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm.

On August 5, 2025, Gearhart pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm.

This case was investigated by DINT and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey 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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Pendleton Man Pleads Guilty To Sexually Abusing Minors On Umatilla Indian Reservation (Photo) - 12/02/25

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Pendleton, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to sexually abusing two minors and engaging in sexual contact with a third minor.

Aaron William Pizer, 41, pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact.

According to court documents, on or between July 10, 2016, and July 9, 2017, and on or between August 22, 2019, and August 21, 2020, Pizer sexually abused two minors under the age of sixteen on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. On April 19, 2024, Pizer engaged in sexual contact on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation with a minor under the age of sixteen.

On September 4, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Pizer with Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Abusive Sexual Contact. 

Pizer faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for counts one and two, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life term of supervised release. He faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison for count three, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life term of supervised release. He will be sentenced on March 12, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Umatilla Tribal Police Department, and Pendleton Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady Adams is prosecuting the case.

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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Oregon Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Hate Crime Violation (Photo) - 11/25/25

EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon, man appeared before a U.S. District Court Judge today and pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for assaulting a victim on the basis of their sexual orientation.

Daniel Andrew McGee, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of a Hate Crime Act Involving an Attempt to Kill.

According to court documents, on the evening of July 5, 2021, McGee met the victim at the victim’s apartment after communicating on the dating application Grindr, an application designed for, and primarily used by, gay men. McGee assaulted the victim over the course of several minutes, striking the victim on the head with a wooden tire thumper. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries during the assault, including serious head wounds.

The investigation revealed McGee had been researching and planning the attack for weeks. For at least one month prior to the attack, McGee searched the internet for homophobic and graphically violent anti-gay material. McGee planned for the attack by purchasing the weapon and other materials from Amazon and searching the internet for suggestions on how to get away with murder.

On November 18, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene, Oregon, returned a one-count indictment charging McGee with a Hate Crime Act Involving an Attempt to Kill.

McGee faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on March 3, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. Joseph Huynh, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and Tenette Smith, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division Criminal Section, are prosecuting the case.

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Court Appoints Scott E. Bradford As U.S. Attorney (Photo) - 11/25/25

PORTLAND, Ore.— Scott E. Bradford has taken the oath of office to remain as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the District of Oregon.

Senior U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman administered the oath of office before staff, court personnel, and family. The moment was especially meaningful because Judge Mosman previously served as U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Bradford also clerked for him.

“Being chosen to lead the District of Oregon is a privilege I do not take lightly. I am deeply humbled by the district court’s vote of confidence in me, and I am committed to serving our community alongside remarkable colleagues and agency partners, who dedicate themselves to the mission every day,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “My focus remains on the Department’s priorities: keeping our country safe, upholding the rule of law, and protecting civil rights.”

Attorney General Pamela Bondi previously appointed Bradford as U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon on July 28, 2025.

Bradford has been a federal prosecutor for more than 18 years and has handled all manner of criminal cases, including violent crime, narcotics trafficking, child exploitation, fraud, cyber, and national security.

Bradford joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and served in a variety of leadership roles within the office, including Chief of the White Collar Unit, Chief of the Economic, National Security, and Cyber Crimes Unit, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.

In 2022, Bradford served as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Regional Cybercrime Attaché in Southeast Asia where he trained justice sector partners within the region to combat cybercrime. Before becoming the U.S. Attorney, Bradford was the Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section in the National Security Division in Washington, D.C.

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Portland Woman Charged With Assaulting A Federal Officer (Photo) - 11/24/25

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, woman made her initial appearance today after allegedly assaulting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Tigard, Oregon.

Summer Shepherd, 37, has been charged by criminal complaint with Assaulting a Federal Officer.

According to court documents, on November 23, 2025, ICE officers were in Tigard executing an arrest of an individual. Shepherd drove up to where the officers were making the arrest and pushed an officer in the chest, causing the officer to stumble back. The officer walked back to his vehicle and closed the door. Shepherd proceeded to strike the vehicle with her hands, denting the car. Shepherd yanked the door open and when the officer put his hand out to prevent Shepherd from coming inside, she slammed the door hitting the officer’s left arm. With the help of additional officers, Shepherd was apprehended.

Shepherd made her first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.  She was ordered released pending further court proceedings.

Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Portland Man Charged With Violent Threats Against Federal Law Enforcement Officers (Photo) - 11/24/25

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, man made his initial appearance today after allegedly making violent threats at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Portland.

John Paul Cupp, 45, has been charged by criminal complaint with Threats Made Against a Federal Law Enforcement Officer.

“Threats of violence against the brave members of law enforcement and their families will not be tolerated, said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding those accountable who threaten and intimidate those who protect our communities, and we will continue to prosecute criminal threats of violence to the fullest extent of the law.”    

“Threats to law enforcement personnel have absolutely no place in our community,” said Acting Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Portland Special Agent in Charge Matt Torres. “Attempts to intimidate those sworn to protect the American people and uphold our Constitution degrade efforts to keep all of us safe. The FBI will use all investigative means available to us to seek out and arrest anyone using violent rhetoric to express themselves.” 

According to court documents, on October 14, 2025, Cupp began yelling insults at law enforcement officers as they were approaching a crowd. Cupp threatened to kill law enforcement officers and sexually assault their wives.  

On November 3, 2025, Cupp posted a video online reiterating the same threats to federal agents and their wives. On November 13, 2025, Cupp continued posting violent threats online to officers and their family.

Cupp is a prolific producer of online content and regularly posts aggressive rhetoric, calls for war against the United States, antisemitic threats, and threats of violence.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 40 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed near ICE facilities, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

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

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

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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The United States Files Civil Forfeiture Complaint Seeking To Forfeit $4 Million In Properties Purchased With Funds Related To Fraud Scheme (Photo) - 11/21/25

PORTLAND, Ore.— The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon filed a civil forfeiture complaint today against two properties located in Provo, Utah, purchased as part of an alleged multi-layered scheme to defraud the United States and a nonprofit organization.

According to the complaint, from July 2020 through May 2025, Benjamin Young, 39, of Provo, Utah, used his position as Financial Manager for a non-profit organization to gain access to its financial accounts and embezzle funds, including federally backed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans intended to support payroll and essential operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. He then used the funds as part of his purchase of a $3.5 million commercial office suite in Provo in the name of Square the Books, a separate company he controlled, and leased the property back to the non-profit organization.

To conceal the origin of the funds, Young allegedly fabricated a $2.5 million short-term loan and used the fictitious debt to secure a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan under false pretenses. While Young certified that the proceeds from the SBA loan would repay the short-term loan, the funds used by Young to buy the commercial property actually came from the diverted PPP loan proceeds and other funds Young diverted from his employer. Young is alleged to have laundered the SBA loan proceeds and transferred the funds to his personal bank accounts, using a portion to purchase a second property – a $570,000 condominium in Provo.

Based on the complaint, the United States will seek to forfeit the two properties.

The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General.  The civil forfeiture action is being handled by Christopher Cardani, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. 

The accusations in the complaint, and the description of the complaint, constitute only allegations that certain property is subject to forfeiture. The United States must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the property is subject to forfeiture.

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Portland Man Pleads Guilty To Arson At The Immigration And Customs Enforcement Building (Photo) - 11/19/25

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Portland man pleaded guilty today to arson at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Trenten Edward Barker, 34, pleaded guilty to Arson of a Federal Building.

According to court documents, on June 11, 2025, a group of individuals began constructing a barricade of large objects and debris against the vehicle gate of the ICE building to prevent law enforcement officers from exiting through the gate. Barker lit a flare from his backpack and threw it onto the pile of debris. The flare ignited the debris, causing a fire to start.

On October 22, 2025, Barker was charged by information with Arson of a Federal Building.

Barker faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a 250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on March 4, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Portland Police Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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Three Sureño Street Gang Associates Charged With Felon In Possession Of A Firearm (Photo) - 11/18/25

PORTLAND, Ore.— Three men associated with the Sureño street gang have been charged with felon in possession of a firearm after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) engaged in multiple undercover purchases of firearms and machine gun conversion devices.

Cesar Daniel Arevalo, 36, of Portland, Oregon and Jose Luis Brown Ceballos, 35, and Jose Luis Diaz Ceballos, 24, of Salem, Oregon, have been charged by criminal complaint with Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

According to court documents, from July 2025 through November 2025, ATF undercover agents engaged in multiple undercover purchase operations involving Arevalo and his associates. Undercover agents purchased a total of 15 firearms (four modified to machineguns), 58 machinegun conversion devices, and cocaine from Arevalo and his associates, including Diaz Ceballos.

On November 13, 2025, Arevalo, Brown Ceballos, Diaz Ceballos, and a juvenile conducted an armed protection of an undercover narcotics transaction in Salem. When the transaction was completed, the armed suspects were arrested by ATF agents. Four firearms were recovered from the scene.

The ATF and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Bockelman is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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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Portland Man Charged With Trespassing On Federal Property, Failing To Obey A Lawful Order, And Obstructing Federal Property (Photo) - 11/18/25

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, man made his initial appearance yesterday in federal court after trespassing on the grounds of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building, failing to obey a lawful order, and obstructing federal property.

Christopher Griffin, 37, has been charged by information with Failing to Obey a Lawful Order, Obstructing Federal Property, and Trespassing on Federal Property.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 16, 2025, Griffin entered the grounds of the ICE building in Portland. Griffin remained on the grounds, failing to comply with the lawful direction of federal officers and was arrested. Griffin was also charged with failing to comply with an officer’s orders to leave the premises on October 22, 2025, and for obstructing the use and access to federal property on November 14, 2025.

Griffin made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered released pending further court proceedings. As part of his release conditions, Griffin was ordered to stay away from the ICE building.

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

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

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Man Unlawfully Living In The United States Charged With Assaulting Federal Officers (Photo) - 11/14/25

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in the United States made his initial appearance today after being charged with assaulting federal officers.

Alvaro Carrillo, 32, has been charged by criminal complaint with Assaulting a Federal Officer.

According to court documents, on November 11, 2025, federal border patrol agents assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers initiated a traffic stop on a silver Saturn sedan. Law enforcement officers approached the vehicle, identified themselves to Carrillo, and attempted to remove him from the vehicle when he did not comply with their commands. Carillo put the car in drive and fled the scene. Carrillo intentionally struck the border patrol agents’ vehicle during the pursuit. After more than ten minutes, Carrillo lost control of his vehicle and collided with a concrete curb. Carrillo exited the vehicle and assumed a fighting position. Carrillo attempted to escape and ran approximately thirty yards before an officer was able to take Carrillo into custody. Carrillo resisted the officers during the arrest.

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

Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Two Mexican Nationals Unlawfully Residing In The United States Arrested Transporting 72 Pounds Of Methamphetamine (Photo) - 11/14/25

EUGENE, Ore.— Two Mexican nationals illegally in the United States have been charged with trafficking 72 pounds of methamphetamine.

Alejandra Diaz-Alcantar, 45, and Juan Alberto Alvarado-Gonzalez, 41, have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.

According to court documents, an Oregon State Police K9 trooper stopped the white Chevrolet pickup on Interstate 5 in Lane County as part of an ongoing investigation. A search of the vehicle pursuant to a warrant revealed two duffel bags under the rear passenger seat. They contained 56 plastic bags and bindles of suspected methamphetamine, collectively weighing approximately 72 pounds.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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