FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Honduran National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearm Charges

PORTLAND, Ore. — A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and unlawfully possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford.

Ingrid Hernandez-Salgado, 22, of Gresham, Oregon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

“Fentanyl continues to devastate families and communities across Oregon, and those who choose to distribute this deadly drug will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford. “This defendant not only trafficked fentanyl but also possessed a stolen firearm while unlawfully present in the United States. Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners remain committed to disrupting drug trafficking and protecting public safety.”

According to court documents, in July 2026, an undercover Portland Police Bureau officer began communicating by text message with Hernandez-Salgado after investigators identified a phone number believed to be used in drug trafficking. Over several days, Hernandez-Salgado and the undercover officer negotiated the sale of approximately one ounce of fentanyl powder and agreed to meet on July 8, 2026, near a gas station in Gresham, Oregon.

Law enforcement officers conducting surveillance observed Hernandez-Salgado arrive at the meeting location in a vehicle. After confirming she was the individual communicating with the undercover officer, officers detained her and recovered approximately 25 grams of fentanyl powder. During a search of the vehicle, investigators located a stolen AMT Backup .45 ACP pistol in the vehicle's center console.

Following Hernandez-Salgado's arrest, investigators searched her apartment in Gresham and located more than $5,900 in U.S. currency.

As part of her guilty plea, Hernandez-Salgado admitted that she knowingly possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute it and knowingly possessed a firearm while unlawfully present in the United States. She further admitted that the firearm had traveled in interstate commerce and that she knew of her unlawful immigration status when she possessed it.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Hernandez-Salgado agreed to forfeit the firearm, associated ammunition, approximately $5,919 in U.S. currency, and two cellular phones during the investigation.

Hernandez-Salgado faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and 15 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Portland Police Bureau. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady Adams for the District of Oregon.

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Portland, Ore. – The 142nd Wing out of the Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore. will conduct Veterans Day flyovers for ceremonies at locations throughout Oregon.

“The 142nd Wing proudly honors Veterans Day with F-15 flybys across Oregon, recognizing the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans and their families," said Chief Master Sgt. Charles Trinchitella, 142nd Wing Command Chief. "These flights reflect our gratitude for those who served before us and our ongoing commitment to defending the Pacific Northwest and upholding the freedoms they fought to secure.”

Flyovers will be conducted over the following locations between 10:50 a.m and 12:50 p.m.

Hillsboro

Salem

Albany

Roseburg

Bend

Pendleton

The Dalles

Hollywood Neighborhood, Portland

All passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and about 350 mph airspeed. Flights could be cancelled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational contingencies.

-30-

About the 142nd Wing

The Portland Air National Guard Base employs 1,400 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $130 million to the region. The 142nd Wing defends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Their mission is to provide unequaled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community.

Photo Caption:

An F-15EX Eagle II aircraft assigned to the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing takes off from Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada, August 27, 2026. The 142nd Wing’s fleet of F-15EXs operated out of Nellis AFB for three weeks in late August and early September in support of the U.S. Air Force’s Weapons Instructor Course (WIC). During this time, the unit hit a historical milestone, dropping live bombs from operational F-15EXs for the first time. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Steph Sawyer)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Previously Convicted Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. —Fernando Lombera Gonzalez, 34, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release today for conspiring to distribute more than three pounds of methamphetamine in Oregon.

According to court documents, in late May 2024, a federal agent contacted Gonzalez and arranged a controlled purchase of approximately 1,350 grams of methamphetamine. On June 1, 2024, Gonzalez traveled to Salem, Oregon, where Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigators observed him retrieve methamphetamine from a second vehicle before delivering approximately 1,377 grams of the drug, roughly equivalent to three pounds, in exchange for payment.

A federal arrest warrant was issued for Gonzalez in November 2024. On Jan. 18, 2025, Gonzalez was encountered during a traffic stop and provided law enforcement officers with a false name. Despite the deception, officers identified Gonzalez and arrested him on an outstanding warrant in a separate Marion County case involving a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He was later transferred to federal custody in this case.

On Nov. 13, 2025, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

Court records show Gonzalez had previously been convicted of methamphetamine trafficking and removed from the United States to Mexico. After unlawfully returning to the United States, he resumed criminal activity and served as a middleman for a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in the Salem area. Prosecutors noted that neither his prior felony drug trafficking conviction nor his removal from the United States deterred him from returning to drug trafficking. Prosecutors further noted that Gonzalez engaged in separate firearm-related criminal conduct as a convicted felon, including an incident in which he discharged a firearm outside a nightclub.

“After a felony drug trafficking conviction and removal from the United States, this defendant unlawfully returned and went right back to serious criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford. “Not only did he distribute large quantities of methamphetamine – a drug that fuels addiction, violence, and suffering in our communities – but he also engaged in separate firearm-related criminal activity as a convicted felon. Repeat offenders who show this level of disregard for our laws and public safety will be prosecuted aggressively and held accountable."

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Jarrett of the District of Oregon.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Umatilla Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Making Hoax Abuse Reports

PORTLAND, Ore. — Thomas Goatley, 23, of Umatilla, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release for distributing child sexual abuse material and making harassing phone calls in which he falsely claimed to be sexually abusing children, U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford announced today.

According to court documents, from at least September 2023 through April 2024, Goatley used multiple online platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Discord and X, to view, receive and distribute child sexual abuse material. When he was arrested in July 2024, investigators found approximately 50 images and 40 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children in his possession.

Court records show Goatley also made numerous anonymous harassing phone calls to schools, police departments, emergency dispatch centers, animal shelters and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). During the calls, he falsely claimed to be sexually abusing a child and provided fabricated details about the alleged abuse.

Among other incidents, Goatley repeatedly contacted an elementary school in Helena, Montana, and falsely claimed to be abusing a student. He also called an elementary school in Newcastle, Wyoming, and falsely reported that he had abducted and was abusing a student. In response, schools in Newcastle were placed on lockdown while law enforcement officers from multiple agencies worked to locate the caller.

Goatley also contacted the Dearborn, Michigan, Police Department and falsely claimed to be abusing his 12-year-old daughter at a local hotel. Officers responded and determined the room he described did not exist.

Between Feb. 17 and April 8, 2024, Goatley made 10 calls to NCMEC falsely claiming to be abusing either his daughter or sister. During many of the calls, he provided false identifying information.

On Aug. 12, 2026, Goatley waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a five-count information charging one count of distributing child pornography and four counts of making obscene or harassing telephone calls.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Goatley to pay $1,000 to NCMEC, pay a $500 special assessment and forfeit digital devices used in the offenses.

“Individuals who distribute child sexual abuse material contribute to the ongoing exploitation of children, while false reports of child abuse divert critical law enforcement resources and create fear in communities,” said Scott Bradford, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for both harms.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Portland Man Sentenced to 55 Months in Federal Prison for Mail Theft, Identity Theft Scheme

PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland man was sentenced to four years and seven months in federal prison for stealing hundreds of pieces of mail, using stolen identities to commit bank fraud, and possessing counterfeit postal service keys, U.S. Attorney Scot Bradford announced today.

Michael John Peters, 43, was sentenced to 55 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of stolen mail, possession of counterfeit postal service arrow keys, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The court also ordered Peters to pay $30,079 in restitution to victims and a $400 special assessment.

According to court documents, beginning in May 2025, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated a series of mail thefts from apartment and condominium buildings throughout the Portland metropolitan area. Surveillance footage showed Peters entering secured residential buildings, opening cluster mailboxes using counterfeit postal service keys, and stealing mail.

On July 8, 2025, Peters was confronted by security staff while attempting another mail theft. He abandoned a backpack containing counterfeit postal service keys, stolen mail belonging to multiple victims, and a device used to gain access to secured buildings.

Investigators determined that Peters used information obtained from stolen mail to commit identity theft and bank fraud. In one instance, he opened a checking account in a victim's name and obtained a $20,000 loan from a financial institution. He also submitted additional fraudulent loan applications seeking more than $100,000 from various financial institutions.

On Sept. 22, 2025, U.S. Postal Inspectors executed a federal search warrant at an apartment Peters had rented using a victim's identity. When authorities arrived, a tenant reported that Peters jumped from an upper-floor balcony onto the tenant's twelfth-floor balcony before running through the apartment and fleeing down a stairwell.

During the search, investigators recovered approximately 393 pieces of stolen mail, 22 identification cards, 15 gift cards, 15 debit and credit cards, counterfeit identification documents, and equipment used to manufacture counterfeit keys and fraudulent identification cards. Authorities also seized 3D printers, a key-cutting machine, credit card readers, silicone key molds, and other tools used to facilitate the scheme.

Investigators later arrested Peters at the residence of a romantic partner and recovered additional evidence of the identity theft operation from his cellular phones.

Court records show Peters had prior convictions for similar offenses in Hawaii and California and was on probation in both jurisdictions when he committed the Oregon offenses.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Portland Police Bureau and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).

It was prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Narus for the District of Oregon.

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SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry Governance Committee will meet virtually at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13. To join, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Board Self-Evaluation (Addendum G)

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged in advance of the meeting by emailing oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov.

Committee members include Ben Deumling and Heath Curtiss.

This standing board committee recommends policies (or policy changes) to the board pertaining to governance issues and processes including the oversight and management of the Board Policy Manual, orientation and training of new board members, the evaluation and improvement of the board, the repository of board materials, and oversight of the written conflict of interest policies, procedures, and review of annual or special statements of board members. Learn more about the committee.

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is taking additional steps over the coming months to further improve the accuracy of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits so that people in Oregon receive the correct amount of food assistance.

As part of this work, ODHS will conduct several rounds of income accuracy checks on existing SNAP cases and begin requiring proof of housing and utility costs when people apply for or renew benefits. Some households may receive notices requesting additional information.

These efforts are part of the agency's ongoing work to reduce Oregon's SNAP payment error rate, improve benefit accuracy and help households avoid unexpected changes to their food assistance as new federal requirements take effect.  

"We want every person in Oregon who qualifies for SNAP to receive the right amount of food benefits," said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership interim director. "Income can be complicated, especially with gig work, changing work hours or financial help from family members. We also know that not everyone has traditional documents to show their housing expenses. Our goal is to help people understand what information is needed and connect them with support so they can keep receiving the benefits they qualify for."

What SNAP households should do

Some SNAP households may receive notices asking for additional information about their income, housing or utility costs.

ODHS encourages people to:

• Read notices carefully. Each notice will explain what information is needed and when it is due.
• Respond by the deadline. Providing requested information on time can help prevent delays or interruptions in benefits.
• Keep contact information updated. Make sure ODHS has your current mailing address and phone number so you receive important notices.
• Ask for help. If you have questions or trouble getting documents, contact ODHS as soon as possible. Staff can help you understand what is needed.

Income accuracy checks will continue over the coming months

ODHS will check income on more than 80,000 SNAP cases in November and December 2026, with additional rounds planned next year.

As part of these checks, ODHS will look at household income information to identify anything that could affect a household's SNAP benefits. If more information is needed, ODHS will contact the household or send an "Information Needed" notice explaining what information is needed.

Not every household will need to take action. However, people who receive a notice should read it carefully and respond by the deadline. Households that do not respond to a request for information may lose their SNAP benefits.

If an income accuracy check identifies information that changes a household's eligibility or benefit amount, ODHS will send a notice explaining the change.

New proof requirements for housing and utility costs begin Nov. 21

Beginning Nov. 21, 2026, people applying for or renewing SNAP benefits will need to provide proof of their housing and utility costs for those expenses to be counted when calculating benefits.

Housing and utility costs can affect how much SNAP a household receives. Reporting these expenses may help households qualify for more food benefits. For more than a decade, Oregon has generally allowed people to report these expenses without providing documentation.

People who already receive SNAP will be asked to provide proof when they renew their benefits. However, people who move, report a change in their housing or utility costs, or begin paying a new expense before their next renewal will need to provide proof of those costs, even if they don’t receive a notice requesting it.

For housing costs, people need to provide proof of how much their household pays for rent, a mortgage or other eligible housing costs. They also need to identify which utilities they pay for or help pay for, such as electricity, gas or water. They don’t need to provide the specific dollar amount they pay.

Several types of documents can be used to verify expenses, including:

• A rental agreement or mortgage bill
• A utility bill
• A rental agreement that shows how utilities are paid
• A written receipt from a landlord
• A bank statement showing a payment to a landlord, property manager or mortgage company
• A screenshot from a payment app showing your housing payment or which utility the payment was for (including Venmo, PayPal or CashApp)
• A statement from a landlord or roommate who is not part of the SNAP household.

A landlord or roommate who is not part of the SNAP household may also be able to verify expenses by phone.

ODHS staff can help people find other ways to verify expenses if they share housing costs, get help paying bills or do not have permanent housing.

People should continue to apply for SNAP, renew their benefits and complete required interviews, even if they do not have documents ready.

If ODHS does not receive proof of housing or utility costs by the deadline, the agency will determine the eligibility and benefit amounts for the household without counting those costs. This means a household could receive fewer benefits or not qualify for SNAP. However, missing proof alone will not automatically result in an application being denied or an existing case being closed.

How to get help

• Online: Apply for or manage benefits at benefits.oregon.gov.
• By phone: Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time. Help is available in multiple languages.
• In person: Find a local ODHS office at oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx.
• ONE Online account or Oregon ONE Mobile app: View notices, upload documents and manage benefits.

Learn more about SNAP at oregon.gov/snap.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Wood River Timber, Inc., headquartered in Klamath Falls, is one of three logging companies chosen as Operator of the Year for their respective region of Oregon. The Eastern Oregon regional advisory committees to the Oregon Board of Forestry honored Wood River last month as its top choice for Operator of the Year for parts of the state east of the Cascades.

Wood River Timber and other recipients will be recognized in Salem at the January meeting of the Board. The other honorees are: 

• Northwest Oregon — Iron Horse Logging, Inc., out of Mapleton, Ore. in Lane County

• Southwest Oregon — Lone Rock Logging based in Roseburg, Ore.

The award recognizes forest operators who, while harvesting timber or doing other forestry work, have a track record of protecting natural resources and improving forest health at a level that consistently meets or exceeds requirements of the Oregon Forest Practices Act . The Act requires people to manage forests responsibly and protect streams and water quality, protect and enhance habitat, and reduce landslide risks. The law also requires landowners to replant forests after harvesting.  

Videos about each of the three Operators of the Year and three Merit Award winners can be viewed on the ODF website at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Working/Pages/default.aspx 

Eastern Oregon 

Wood River Timber, Inc., was named Operator of the Year for Eastern Oregon for the company’s many efforts to help small landowners improve the health of their forestland while reducing catastrophic wildfire risk. The selection committee cited owner Ray Driscoll for the time he spends educating landowners and providing a quality harvest while meeting the landowners’ objectives. One project that committee members cited, in particular, was his work thinning overcrowded ponderosa pine on two adjoining parcels west of Klamath Falls. The selection committee agreed the work was a great example of skillful logging that protected trees one landowner wanted retained while removing juniper and enough other trees to open up the forest floor to grazing by cattle and wildlife. The thinning also reduced the risk of devastating wildfire.

Landowner Karen Crawford praised Wood River’s owner Ray Driscoll for the meticulous attention he paid to felling each tree and removing it without damaging trees to be left. “He was very meticulous in his operation. It’s been a year and you can barely see skid trails, everything looks fantastic.”

ODF Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said, “the selection committees had excellent candidates this year when choosing who they would honor, all of whom showed they went to great lengths to protect the forest environment.”

Barnard said nominees showed they could meet the challenge of working under new harvesting rules. The updated Oregon Forest Practices Act rules provide more protection for forest resources, such as wider buffers for fish-bearing streams and retaining more trees in especially steep areas.  

“Many of the harvest sites this year had terrain that was quite challenging,” said Barnard. “The Operators of the Year showed extraordinary care and diligence to protect slopes and streams. We’re proud to recognize those efforts.” 

Merit Awards

Merit Awards were also given to three other companies. 

• Eastern Oregon 

Josh and Jacque Cobb own and operate J and J Timber Resources based in Haines in eastern Oregon’s Baker County. Their company earned the Merit Award for work to improve elk habitat on a federal winter-feeding ground in Baker County. Cobb thinned out an overcrowded ponderosa pine forest to allow more grass and brush to grow between remaining trees, creating better forage for elk and deer. The Cobbs reduce wood waste by sending it to large sawmills to burn as fuel for those mills’ operations. The Cobb’s own small mill provides an outlet for smaller landowners to take log loads that wouldn’t be large enough to interest mills needing greater wood volumes.

• Northwest Oregon

Perrigo Timber, LLC, based in Warrenton, Ore.

• Southwest Oregon 

C and M Timberland Resources, LLC, headquartered in Glide, Ore., east of Roseburg.

Oregon enacted the Forest Practices Act in 1971 as a national model for forest management laws. The law focuses on ensuring responsible forest operations and protecting natural resources in forestland. The Act has been updated many times based on new scientific information and values to create a balanced approach to natural resource management. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Enticement of Oregon Minor

MEDFORD, Ore. — A North Carolina man has pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to coerce and entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford announced today.

Sage Austin Miller, 28, from Winston Salem, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

According to court documents, on Sept. 23 and 24, 2024, Miller used Snapchat to communicate with a person he believed was a 16-year-old girl living in Medford, Oregon. During the online communications, Miller attempted to persuade and entice the purported minor to meet him for sexual activity. Miller later traveled to and arrived at a predetermined meeting location.

As part of his plea agreement, Miller admitted that he used a cellular phone connected to the internet to communicate with a person he believed was under the age of 18 and that his conduct constituted a substantial step toward committing the offense. The conduct would have violated Oregon's Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree statute had the planned encounter occurred.

Attempted coercion and enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and five years to life of supervised release.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Miller agreed to forfeit several electronic devices used to facilitate the offense, including two Apple iPhones and an Apple iPad.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith R. Harper of the District of Oregon.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power receives $50 million grant from U.S. Department of Energy
Funding will support grid modernization

The final quarterly meeting of 2026 for the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be held virtually and in person on Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the auditorium of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, 700 Summer Street N.E. in Salem. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a town hall meeting at 11:30 a.m., which is open to the public.

Established in 1945, the Advisory Committee holds a distinct and fundamental role in advising the director and staff of ODVA. The nine members of the committee are military veterans from all corners of the state, appointed by the governor to serve and act as advocates for veteran issues and veteran concerns across Oregon.

Following every quarterly business meeting, the committee holds a town hall inviting the public to raise questions or concerns about broad veteran issues or to share information with the committee and agency director.

Members of the community are also invited to submit written public comments to the committee by emailing odva_vaac@odva.oregon.gov. The Advisory Committee meets quarterly on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and December.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Please register at events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/1c54b087-7fea-4829-b07b-d8bc62d42d80@aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf  to attend any portion of this meeting.

Attendees will be allowed to participate during the town hall and will be invited to turn on their camera and unmute mics during a recorded meeting that will be posted online at a later date.

More information about the Advisory Committee and meeting materials can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Advisory-Committee.aspx.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services or locate a local county or Tribal veteran services office online at oregon.gov/odva.

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SALEM, Ore. – As this year comes to a close, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is looking back on 2026 and planning for the 2027 season.

OPRD welcomed millions of visitors this year to its state parks, including 2.2 million camping nights so far this year. Park rangers were on the ground welcoming visitors, cleaning restrooms, hosting hikes and star parties, and addressing hundreds of trail, utility, and other maintenance issues that arose throughout the year.

This year also came with some significant changes to OPRD’s fees as the agency successfully closed a $14 million funding gap for the 2025-2027 biennium. Some of the fees had not been updated in 15 years.

“These changes, while hard, were absolutely necessary and they prevented us from closing parks,” said OPRD director Lisa Sumption. “We fixed our budget in the short-term, and now we are turning our attention toward long-term solutions that do not put the burden solely on our visitors.”

Staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors for the 2027 season. To help visitors enjoy Oregon’s more than 250 state park areas and know what to expect next year, see the following updates.

Fall/Winter 2026:

• OPRD refreshed its online store, offering new ways to remember your favorite Oregon State Parks visit.
• OPRD and State Library of Oregon made 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state and will be evaluating opportunities to expand the Library Pass Program.
• Weatherization of parks closed over the winter months.
• Update reservation website to show the site fee per day when selecting available camping dates.
• New Spot Watch feature provides more detailed notification options via text or email. You can set up a notification that includes multiple parks, lodging types, and date ranges.
• Begin low-season park improvement projects, like those happening at Cape Lookout State Park, Silver Falls State Park and Smith Rock State Park.
• Following the new dump station fee implemented at 18 state parks, the agency is evaluating whether additional parks have the technology and site conditions to make implementation practical.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2027

• First Day Hikes: Guided hikes at select parks on Jan. 1.
• The Transient Lodging Tax set by the Oregon Tourism Commission will increase from 1.5% to 2.75% and effects all OPRD overnight reservations. OPRD does not receive funds collected from this tax.
• Physical 12-month parking permits – the hang tags – will only be sold online and will cost $10 more to account for printing and handling fees. Digital 12-month parking permits will still cost $60 for Oregon residents and $75 for non-residents.
• Jessie M. Honeyman State Park will close for several months starting in January for utility and hazard tree removal work.

Spring 2027

• Park cleanup, repair and reopening after assessing any damage or issues that arose after the winter season.
• Rate increases to reservable day-use facilities (amphitheater, group day use, meeting hall, pavilion and picnic shelter), yurts and cabins take effect May 1. Increases will be about 5% to account for inflation in utility, supplies and staffing costs.
• Hire for seasonal staff.

OPRD is making substantially fewer fee changes in 2027. Addressing large maintenance projects that are overdue, often referred to as deferred maintenance, is the primary issue. If put off for too long, the issues can become persistent and cause service disruptions or closures to campgrounds.

The agency does not receive general fund tax revenue, and fees alone will not be able to address deferred maintenance. OPRD has been and will continue to focus on long-term funding solutions that can meet the scale of the deferred maintenance need.

Visit the website for more information.

Photo of buck deer (graphic image)

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (9 Nov. 2026) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help identifying the person(s) responsible for the illegal killing of a buck deer near Prineville.

On Thursday, October 29, 2026, OSP Fish and Wildlife responded to a report of a buck deer that had been killed and harvested on private property along O’Neil Highway near Century Drive and Elliot Lane. Responding troopers believe the buck was killed with archery equipment between October 26 and October 28. Rifle deer season concluded on October 14, 2026, and there was no legal deer hunting season in effect at the time and location where the deer was found.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888 or TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Tips may also be submitted by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-354801. Tips may remain anonymous.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for Game Fish & Shellfish and Snagging/Attempting to Snag are sponsored, in part, by Northwest Steelheaders Association and Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)

TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information visit the Oregon State Police Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) web page.

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About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

November 9, 2026

Media contact: Franny White, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539

Oregon again awarded $197.3M to build on rural healthcare access improvements

Early success in implementing the Rural Health Transformation Program yields additional, second-year award to help restore local care in remote communities, strengthen emergency medical services, preserve maternal care, more

SALEM, Ore. – For the second year in a row, Oregon has been awarded about $197.3 million to continue improving rural healthcare through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced.

This new award comes after first-year RHTP investments brought positive results in key areas established by the Kotek administration. This new funding is in addition to the approximately $197.3 million that Oregon was awarded for the program’s first year.

Oregon is using this federal funding to support proven, community-driven projects that improve rural healthcare access — including maternity care, primary care, and behavioral health. With this funding, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) aims to grow and sustain the healthcare workforce, expand health technology, boost chronic disease management and prevention, and help the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon improve access and health outcomes in rural areas.

“Oregon should be proud of all that it has accomplished in the 11 months since the U.S. government first awarded our state Rural Health Transformation Program funding,” said Interim OHA Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “OHA and hundreds of organizations urgently rallied together to tackle projects that make it easier for people in rural Oregon to receive the quality healthcare they need and deserve. Additional federal funding will now help Oregon advance these remarkable efforts.”

The federal government awarded Oregon additional funding after evaluating Oregon’s and other states’ progress against their RHTP goals. During the national program’s inaugural year in 2026, Oregon was one of the first states to distribute federal funding to local projects, which enabled the state’s rural health improvement efforts to move forward more quickly.

Early successes lay foundation for transformation

OHA has so far provided grants to well over 300 organizations, including rural hospitals, rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, community mental health programs, Federally Recognized Tribes, and nonprofit organizations.

Oregon’s early rural health investments are supporting a wide variety of projects, including:

• To ensure pregnant people and newborns in rural Northeastern Oregon can continue to receive quality care, Wallowa Memorial Hospital in Enterprise will provide advanced cesarean section training to family medicine physicians, increase obstetric and newborn care training for nurses, and more.
• Pregnant people living in Southern Oregon with substance use concerns will receive integrated care through the expansion of a project called Nurture Oregon, which offers peer recovery support, medical care, behavioral health services, social service coordination, and more.
• Grants Pass-based Siskiyou Health Center’s new mobile health clinic will bring primary care, substance use disorder treatment, mental healthcare, and other needed services to Southern Oregon’s geographically isolated Illinois Valley five days a week.
• People in the Malheur County ranching community of Jordan Valley will be able to receive primary care, psychiatric care, and women’s healthcare without needing to travel long distances after Cornerstone Whole Healthcare Organization remodels and reopens a local clinic that closed in 2013.
• Seaside Fire & Rescue will purchase a new ambulance and other equipment to strengthen emergency medical response for Seaside and surrounding Clatsop County communities.
• Community Health Centers of Lane County are building their ability to provide sealants, fluoride treatments, and other oral health services.
• Eleven rural hospitals along the Oregon Coast and in Eastern Oregon are forming the Cascades Rural High Value Network, a clinically integrated network through which participating hospitals will jointly coordinate care, invest in shared infrastructure and systems, negotiate value-based payment arrangements with insurers, and more.
• Columbia Gorge Health Council is expanding its Connected Care for Older Adults program, which provides in-home primary care and support to frail older adults in rural Hood River and Wasco counties so they can maintain their independence and avoid health crises.

OHA will largely use Oregon’s 2027 RHTP funding to further advance projects and efforts that received grants during the program’s first year to keep the momentum going and keep focus on programs that are working.

If Oregon is awarded more funding in future years, the state’s rural health efforts would enter a second phase that involves larger, more competitive grants for longer-term and sustainable regional projects with similar goals.

The RHTP was created by U.S. House Resolution 1, a federal tax and spending bill that became law in July 2025. The law will cut an estimated $15 billion in federal funding for Oregon programs that provide health insurance, food benefits, and more. The RHTP is one positive component of this law that is estimated to bring home to Oregon up to $1 billion over the course of the five-year program.

More information – including a statewide list of awards that been given so far – is on the OHA Rural Health Transformation Program webpage.

# # #

The Oregon Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $394,526,097.43, with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents of this release are those of OHA and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/HHS or the U.S. Government.

SALEM, Ore. — The Certified Burn Manager Advisory Committee will meet at 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, 2026, Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. This meeting is being held jointly with the annual meeting of the Oregon Prescribed Fire Council, which convenes on Nov. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17. To join the CBMAC meeting virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. Learn more about registering for the Oregon Prescribed Fire Council annual meeting.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Welcome introductions
• Updated charter review
• Recommendations for CBM rule changes
• Public comment
• Training deliveries (Updates and feedback)
• PBAs and CBMs
• Use of CBM for cultural burning
• Updates
  • CBM rule updates
  • Liability Pilot Program

The meeting is open to the public to attend in-person or virtually. There will be a period for public comment. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting y.berry@odf.oregon.gov">Shelby Berry at 503-949-5181.

View more information on the CBMAC webpage.

Oregon's 2021 Legislature passed Senate Bill 762 requiring the Oregon Department of Forestry to establish a Certified Burn Manager Program. It is the duty of the Certified Burn Manager Advisory Committee to advise the Oregon Department of Forestry on the program.

Oregon Heritage of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is offering grants for the construction or restoration of veterans and war memorials throughout Oregon. 

The grant application period is open now and closes February 14, 2027. 

Local and regional governments and federally recognized Tribes are eligible to apply for funding for monuments placed on publicly owned properties.  Grants may fund up to 80 percent of projects and require a 20 percent match from grant recipients.

New monuments should acknowledge veterans and/or wars not already recognized in the community.  Restoration projects may address broken monuments, missing elements, and/or additions to existing monuments.

Proposals must demonstrate active participation of a veteran organization and community support.

A free online workshop about the grant program will be held December 3, 2026; 9-10:30 a.m. via Zoom.  Registration is required.

For more information about the Veterans and War Memorials grant and other grant programs, visit www.oregonheritage.org.  Or contact Karen Litvin at en.Litvin@oprd.oregon.gov">Karen.Litvin@oprd.oregon.gov or 971-720-0852.

On November 6, 2026, at approximately 7:50 pm, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash in the 1900 block of Robertson Bridge Road. Deputies were assisted by Rural Metro Fire, American Medical Response, and the Oregon State Police.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a single vehicle traveling westbound crossed into the eastbound lane and left the roadway, rolling into the eastbound ditch. The vehicle’s sole occupant was ejected during the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The deceased has been identified as Dawn Burton (71).  Next of kin have been notified.  Our deepest condolences go out to Dawn's family and friends during this difficult time. 

At the time of this press release, no additional information is being released. 

LINN COUNTY, Ore. (7 Nov. 2026) – On Thursday, November 5, 2026, at approximately 10:55 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 20 near milepost 16 in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Harley-Davidson motorcycle, operated by Tracy Allan Formby (59) of Lebanon, was traveling eastbound on Highway 20 near Weirich Drive when it left the roadway for an unknown reason. The motorcycle traveled along the eastbound shoulder before rolling into a fence, causing the operator and passenger to be ejected.

The operator of the motorcycle (Formby) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The passenger, Carrie Rose Lee (41) of Albany, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Lebanon Police Department, Lebanon Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

On November 6, 2026 members of the Ashland Police Department, along with members of the Oregon Department of Justice, the Oregon State Police, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Grants Pass Police Department, as well as the Oregon Board of Massage, executed a search warrant on the 99 China massage parlor located at 290 N. Main St in the City of Ashland. An additional search warrant was executed at the residence immediately next door at 254 N. Main St.

This investigation began in August 2026 after the APD received complaints of possible illicit activity taking place at this location as well as possible human trafficking. Members of the department’s Criminal Investigations Division have been working diligently over the last three months to move this case forward, resulting in the above-mentioned search warrants being executed.

Two female employees of the business were arrested and lodged upon execution of these warrants for crimes associated with operating a massage parlor without proper licenses.

The identities of the arrested subjects has not been established as of this release.

The APD would like to stress that this investigation is ongoing, with evidence being collected. More information may be forthcoming as this investigation progresses.

The Police Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

The meeting will be livestreamed on the DPSST YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve August 20, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

    a) Lincoln Ngo; DPSST No. 62528

              Basic Police Certification

4. Shanon Anderson, DPSST No. 61579; Oregon State University DPS

Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

5. Leshaun Emile, DPSST No. 61287; Albany Police Department

Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

6. Carlos Jones, DPSST No. 44434; Eugene Police Department

Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

7. Patrick Mawdsley, DPSST No. 46428; Portland Police Bureau

Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

8. Jeremy Price, DPSST No. 41048; West Linn Police Department

Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

9. Johnnie Ward, DPSST No. 24573; Curry County Sheriff's Office

Presented by Marie Atwood

10. Approval for Changes to the Basic Police Curriculum

Presented by Chris Enquist

11. Basic Police Curriculum, Upcoming Changes to Legal Course Alignment, Informational Only

       Presented by Gerod Rayburn

12. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085

Codifying Board Approval of the Revisions to the Basic Police Course Subject and Hour Breakdown

Presented by Jennifer Howald

13. Applicant Review Committee Nominations

       Presented by Marie Atwood

14. Agency Updates

15. Next Police Policy Committee Meeting – February 18, 2027, at 10:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Police Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

DPSST provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access for people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. To request a sign language interpreter, translation services, or other accommodations, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or at nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

DPSST proporciona acomodaciones rasonables para asegurar el acceso igual para personas con descapacidades y para personas con competencia limitada de inglés. Para pedir un interprete de lengua de señas, servicios de traducción, u otras acomodaciones, por favor de contactar a Juan Lopez marcando al (503) 551-3167, o a nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, al menos de 48 horas antes de la reunión.

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. (6 Nov. 2026) – On Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a fatal vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash on Highway 11 near milepost 33 in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a blue Dodge Dakota, operated by Leslie Franklin King (89) of Milton-Freewater, was traveling northbound on Highway 11 near Appleton Road when it struck a pedestrian, Barbara Jane Freel (79) of Milton-Freewater, who was attempting to cross the highway. The pedestrian was reported to have been wearing dark clothing during low-light conditions.

The pedestrian (Freel) was pronounced deceased at the scene despite life-saving measures performed by bystanders.

The operator of the Dodge (King) and an adult passenger were reportedly not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Milton-Freewater Police Department, Milton-Freewater Rural Fire Department and EMS, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 6, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Warm Springs Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse of Two Young Children

PORTLAND, Ore.— U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today that Jesse James Hicks, 34, of Warm Springs, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with aggravated sexual abuse of two young children on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.

According to court documents, on Oct. 16, 2026, officers with the Warm Springs Police Department responded to a residence on the Warm Springs Reservation after receiving a report that a man had been found in a bedroom with two young children.

Investigators allege that a family member entered the bedroom and observed Hicks with one of the children under circumstances that raised immediate concern. The witness promptly alerted other family members.

According to court documents, Hicks initially denied wrongdoing but later admitted to unlawful conduct involving one of the children during interviews with federal investigators.

“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing and involve the exploitation of exceptionally vulnerable victims,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Protecting children from sexual abuse remains one of our highest priorities. We will continue working alongside our Tribal, local, and federal law enforcement partners to investigate these crimes and pursue justice for victims and their families.”

Hicks is charged with aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Warm Springs Police Department.

The Special Prosecutions Unit for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

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

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SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street (OMS) is now accepting applications for organizations to join at the Designated Main Street or the Affiliated Main Street level of the Oregon Main Street Network. This application round is for organizations who demonstrate the readiness and capacity to implement a comprehensive downtown improvement effort based on the nationally recognized Main Street Approach™.

Applications can be found on our website at www.oregonmainstreet under the “How to Join” dropdown. OMS will host a virtual application workshop on November 12th, from 1:00pm to 4:00 pm. The workshop covers some of the requirements to participate at these tiers and provide tips on completing the application. Participants must register in advance click here.

The Designated Main Street level is a mark of distinction that reflects a demonstrated effort to building, growing, and sustaining a main street organization to support efforts to improve a community’s historic downtown by leveraging partnerships and engaging community members. Organizations participating at this level have a high degree of commitment to using the nationally recognized place-based Main Street Approach™ methodology to create lasting impact in enhancing their historic downtowns.

The Affiliated Main Street level is for communities who are either just starting to form, or are working on strengthening their Main Street structure to harness the powerful main street methodology to create lasting impact in enhancing their historic downtown or traditional commercial neighborhood.

Affiliated Main Street and Designated Main Street level communities must have a cohesive core of historic or older commercial and mixed-use buildings that represent the community’s architectural heritage and may include compatible in-fill. They must also have a sufficient mass of businesses, buildings, and density to be effective, as well as be a compact and pedestrian-oriented district.

The primary emphasis of joining at the Affiliated Main Street and Designated Main Street levels is the provided technical assistance from Oregon Main Street to help strengthen revitalization efforts.  Acceptance at these levels allows communities to participate in training, program evaluations, technical assistance, and receive local capacity building support. Participating in the Oregon Main Street program is free.

The selection process included submitting an application that describes their district, previous efforts to improve downtown, readiness to implement the Main Street Approach™, board development efforts, in addition to other criteria. 

Currently, there are more than 100 communities in Oregon participating in one of the four levels of the Oregon Main Street Network: Accredited Main Street, Designated Main Street, Affiliated Main Street, and Connected Communities. The Connected Communities application is the baseline engagement to our program and is open year-round. The OMS Accredited Main Street designation is achieved by attaining Main Street America™ national accreditation status.

Oregon Main Street is part of Oregon Heritage in Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 5, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Salem Gang Member Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Firearms and Controlled Substances

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Salem man associated with the Varrio Catorce Norteño street gang was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison today for trafficking firearms and controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced.

Christopher Hermens, 29, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to transferring firearms to another person while having reasonable cause to believe the recipient intended to use, carry, or possess the firearms in connection with felony offenses.

According to court documents, in July 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating members of the Varrio Catorce Norteño gang in the Salem area. During the investigation, an undercover ATF agent conducted a series of controlled purchases of firearms and controlled substances from Hermens and his associates.

Between January and February 2025, Hermens participated in multiple transactions involving firearms, cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl. During these meetings, Hermens coordinated firearm sales, supplied controlled substances, connected undercover agents with fentanyl suppliers, and discussed obtaining additional firearms, including unserialized “ghost guns.”

On Jan. 23, 2025, Hermens and a co-conspirator sold five firearms and approximately one ounce of cocaine to an undercover agent. During the transaction, Hermens discussed future firearm sales and his ability to obtain additional weapons.

On Feb. 6, 2025, Hermens facilitated the sale of two firearms, approximately two pounds of marijuana, and approximately 32 grams of fentanyl. During the same transaction, Hermens arranged for an additional fentanyl sale through a drug supplier.

Later that month, on Feb. 27, 2025, Hermens coordinated a transaction in which an undercover agent purchased approximately 122 grams of fentanyl from one of Hermens’s associates.

On July 22, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hermens’s residence and recovered 19 firearms, including a rifle found beneath his bed and a pistol located in a neighboring bedroom. Investigators also recovered additional firearms and firearm components from a safe in the residence.

“The defendant repeatedly trafficked firearms and dangerous controlled substances, including fentanyl, while leveraging gang ties and criminal associates to expand his illegal activities,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Individuals who profit from the distribution of illegal firearms and deadly narcotics pose a serious threat to public safety. This sentence holds the defendant accountable for his conduct and reflects our commitment to disrupting the criminal networks that endanger Oregon communities.”

As part of his plea agreement, Hermens agreed to forfeit firearms and other property connected to his criminal conduct.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole M. Bockelman prosecuted the case.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 5, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Tigard Man Found Guilty of Federal Sex Trafficking Offense After Fleeing to Thailand

PORTLAND, Ore. — A federal jury has found a Tigard man guilty of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion after he attempted to profit from the commercial sexual exploitation of his girlfriend and later fled to Thailand to avoid prosecution, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today.

Selva Delano Mudaliar, 40, was found guilty of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion following a federal jury trial.

According to evidence presented at trial, in December 2021, Mudaliar transported the victim from Portland, Oregon, to a hotel in Vancouver, Washington, where he attempted to arrange for her to engage in commercial sex acts with a customer in exchange for money. Prosecutors proved that Mudaliar fraudulently induced the victim to accompany him and used force, threats, and coercion in connection with the sex trafficking scheme.

Trial evidence showed that after meeting a customer at a Portland nightclub, Mudaliar became interested in the customer after observing that he had substantial funds available in his bank account. Mudaliar directed the victim to introduce herself to the customer and later drove both individuals to a hotel in Vancouver, Washington. Once there, Mudaliar negotiated a deal under which the customer would pay $1,500 in exchange for sexual access to the victim.

When the arrangement failed, Mudaliar became enraged and assaulted the victim. Evidence at trial established that Mudaliar repeatedly struck the victim in the face and head and strangled her until she lost consciousness. The victim suffered severe injuries that required emergency medical treatment and transfer to a Level 1 trauma center.

Following the assault, the Washington County District Attorney's Office charged Mudaliar with multiple state offenses. Shortly before his scheduled state court trial in February 2024, Mudaliar fled the United States and traveled to Thailand. The FBI assisted in locating Mudaliar overseas, and he was arrested by Thai authorities. Mudaliar later consented to extradition and was returned to the United States to face the Washington County charges and additional federal charges. The charges in state court remain pending.

“Sex trafficking is a violent crime that exploits vulnerable victims for financial gain,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “The defendant attempted to sell a woman for sex and then brutally assaulted her when his scheme failed. Today's verdict holds him accountable for that conduct and demonstrates our commitment to prosecuting those who use force, fraud, and coercion to exploit others.”

Mudaliar faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2027.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tigard Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mira R. Chernick and William M. McLaren prosecuted the case.

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GRANTS PASS, Ore. – If you are a small woodland, vineyard, or orchard manager you may know the frustrations of being left with a large amount of woody debris after a harvest or pruning. Trying to decide what to do with all that material is one thing but wait too long and you can accidentally create the perfect habitat for pest insects that can do a great deal of damage to your standing timber or crops. Many landowners are turning to Air Curtain Incinerators (ACI) to help manage the leftover woody debris. An ACI is a specialized piece of equipment that burns woody biomass. Burning in an ACI produces much less smoke and particulate matter than an open burn pile.

On Thursday, Nov. 19 the Oregon Department of Forestry is hosting a live ACI demo. This demo will be held at Valley of the Rogue State Park east of Grants Pass between Rogue River and Gold Hill. Take the 45B exit off the I-5 freeway. Attendees are welcome to drop in from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This demo is perfect for fire departments, local governments, natural area land managers, Firewise communities, prescribed burn associations, nurseries, orchards, vineyards, arborists, landowners, and anyone that has to manage woody biomass looking for alternative to chipping or pile burning. Attendees will learn about what an ACI is and how to operate one, the benefits of using one, and how the biochar produced can be used to improve your soil.

It is free to attend the ACI demo, but attendees are asked to register before attending. To register and learn more about ACI visit http://tiny.cc/ACI-demos. For questions or help registering, contact InvasivePests@odf.oregon.gov.

                                                                                                 # # #

PORT ORFORD, Ore. – If you are a small woodland, vineyard, or orchard manager you may know the frustrations of being left with a large amount of woody debris after a harvest or pruning. Trying to decide what to do with all that material is one thing but wait too long and you can accidentally create the perfect habitat for pest insects that can do a great deal of damage to your standing timber or crops. Many landowners are turning to Air Curtain Incinerators (ACI) to help manage the leftover woody debris. An ACI is a specialized piece of equipment that burns woody biomass. Burning in an ACI produces much less smoke and particulate matter than an open burn pile.

On Friday, Nov. 13, the Oregon Department of Forestry is hosting a live ACI demo. This demo will be held at Cape Blanco State Park. 91814 Cape Blanco Road just north of Port Orford. Attendees are welcome to drop in from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This demo is perfect for fire departments, local governments, natural area land managers, Firewise communities, prescribed burn associations, nurseries, orchards, vineyards, arborists, landowners, and anyone who has to manage woody biomass looking for alternative to chipping or pile burning. Attendees will learn about what an ACI is and how to operate one, the benefits of using one, and how the biochar produced can be used to improve your soil.

It is free to attend the ACI demo, but attendees are asked to register before attending. To register and learn more about ACI visit http://tiny.cc/ACI-demos. For questions or help registering, contact InvasivePests@odf.oregon.gov.

                                                                                                 # # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 5, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Oregon Man on State Supervision Arrested for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material After Arriving at Portland International Airport

PORTLAND, Ore.— U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today that Alec Joseph Adams, 30, of Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) after federal agents allegedly discovered illicit images and videos on his cell phone during an inspection at Portland International Airport.

“Every image and video depicting child sexual abuse represents a real child victim,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “The Department of Justice remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting children from exploitation and aggressively prosecuting individuals who possess, produce, or distribute child sexual abuse material.”

According to court documents, on Oct. 28, 2026, Adams arrived at Portland International Airport on a flight from Reykjavik, Iceland. During a customs inspection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers learned that Adams was serving a term of probation in Lincoln County, Oregon, following convictions for luring a child and online sexual corruption of a child.

Court documents allege that during a basic media examination of Adams' cellphone, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered suspected child sexual abuse material. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were notified and conducted a preliminary review of the device.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, investigators observed multiple images and video thumbnails depicting nude prepubescent and pubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct in a hidden folder on Adams' phone.

Federal investigators subsequently obtained a search warrant for the device. During a more extensive review, agents allegedly located additional videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children. Court documents describe videos showing prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct with adults.

Adams has been charged with one count of possession of child pornography, which is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a lifetime term of supervised release.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The Special Prosecutions Unit for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

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

###

Applications due by Nov. 30

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking volunteers to serve on the Land and Water Conservation Fund grants advisory committee, also known as the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Committee. This nine-member grant advisory committee evaluates public outdoor recreation grant proposals submitted to OPRD for funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The open positions include:

• A member representing the disabilities community
• A member representing cities over 15,000 population
• A member representing counties east of the Cascades

Note: Candidates for the positions representing cities and counties must be professionally affiliated with a city, either through employment or in another professional capacity. OPRD will coordinate with organizations, including the Oregon Recreation and Park Association and the League of Oregon Cities, and the Association of Oregon Counties to designate nominees for these positions.

Those interested in serving must submit an interest form by Nov. 30, 2026.

OPRD will review the interest forms and follow up with potential members for informal interviews. Committee appointments are subject to confirmation by the OPRD director. Committee members serve four-year terms and may be reappointed for a second consecutive term.

Candidate qualities

Ideal candidates may reside anywhere in Oregon and bring experience in at least one of the following areas: public recreation provider, recreation planning or design, recreation-focused volunteerism, or lived experience that uniquely qualifies them to evaluate recreation project proposals. Strong candidates may also demonstrate an awareness of statewide recreation needs, broad recreation issues, and the importance of advancing equitable, inclusive, and accessible recreation opportunities.

Committee member responsibilities

The committee typically meets for a one- to two-day meeting in Salem to review proposals and hear applicant presentations before making funding recommendations to OPRD. Committee members may attend virtually.

Optional project site visits and additional meetings may be scheduled as needed. Time commitment varies and includes independently reviewing and evaluating an average of 15-20 applications prior to the grant meeting, which requires access to a personal computer and internet. State-mandated annual training is also required, generally taking only a few hours per year.

About the grant program

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Program is a competitive grant program funded by the National Park Service and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Grants are awarded to local governments, federally recognized tribal governments and eligible state agencies for land acquisition, development and rehabilitation projects for public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

For more information about the advisory committee or application process, contact Nohemi Enciso, LWCF Program Coordinator, at nohemi.enciso@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-480-9092.

November 5, 2026

Media contact: Kim Lippert, erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov

New behavioral health treatment beds open in Marion County

Salem, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) celebrates the opening of nine new residential treatment beds at Sanctuary, LLC, in Turner, expanding access to treatment and strengthening Oregon’s behavioral health system.

The opening creates more placement options for those with mental health needs, including those involved with the forensic behavioral health system, to receive care in a community-based setting that may be closer to home.

“OHA is committed to expanding access to behavioral health treatment so more people can get the care they need, where they need it and when they need it,” said Ebony Clarke, Behavioral Health director at OHA. “A strong behavioral health continuum must support the whole person, addressing individual needs through person-centered, trauma-informed care.” 

Adult bed capacity in the state has expanded through Behavioral Health Investment program funding: 350 new licensed residential beds and 488 new non-licensed beds and units are now open across the state due to dedicated funding.  

OHA provided $239,677 in funding for the facility through House Bill 2059, which passed in the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill provided OHA $65 million to increase residential behavioral health capacity throughout the state.

“Sanctuary was built on the belief that recovery begins with feeling safe, heard, and respected,” said Moses Malibet, director, Sanctuary Agency LLC. “Our commitment is to provide individualized, trauma-informed mental health care that honors each person’s identity, culture, and lived experience. Working alongside OHA and community partners, we want to create a place where belonging is part of care, and every resident has support to pursue a meaningful life.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 5, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Charged with Laundering Drug Proceeds and Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm

EUGENE, Ore.— A Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States has been charged with laundering purported drug proceeds and being an alien in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today.

According to court documents, Esteban Peralta Fragozo, 50, of Springfield, Oregon, owned and operated El Kaiman Western Wear, a Springfield business that sold clothing and provided international money transfer services. Investigators with Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) allege that Fragozo used the business to launder drug trafficking proceeds through wire transfers sent to Mexico and Honduras.

Court documents allege that between January 2018 and July 2026, El Kaiman processed approximately 179,874 wire transfers totaling more than $93 million. Investigators further allege that more than $34 million in suspected drug proceeds were transmitted from Springfield to drug-trafficking corridors in Mexico and Honduras during that period.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement conducted a series of undercover operations using a confidential informant. According to the complaint, Fragozo processed multiple wire transfers after being told the funds were derived from drug trafficking and used false sender information and identification documents to complete the transactions.

The complaint further alleges that drug traffickers used El Kaiman to transmit proceeds derived from narcotics trafficking. In one instance detailed in court records, investigators recovered wire transfer receipts from El Kaiman during a traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of approximately 72 pounds of methamphetamine.

On Nov. 4, 2026, federal agents executed search warrants at Fragozo's residence, business, vehicle, and on his person. During a search of the business, agents recovered a Ruger 9mm pistol, ammunition, and bulk currency. According to court documents, Fragozo admitted possessing the firearm and acknowledged that he did not have lawful immigration status in the United States.

“As alleged, the defendant was illegally present in the United States while using his business to launder millions of dollars in drug trafficking proceeds and unlawfully possessing a firearm,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Drug trafficking organizations depend on financial facilitators to move and hide their criminal profits. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify, dismantle, and prosecute the financial infrastructure that supports transnational drug trafficking organizations and fuels the flow of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our communities.”

According to the complaint, investigators have observed a dramatic increase in drug trafficking activity involving Honduran nationals in Oregon. Court documents allege that Mexican drug trafficking organizations increasingly use Honduran nationals to distribute fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics in major metropolitan areas, including the Portland metropolitan area.

Fragozo made his initial appearance in federal court on Nov. 4, 2026, before a U.S. magistrate judge and was ordered detained pending further proceedings.

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

The case is being investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia Jarrett and Christopher Cardani are prosecuting the case.

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Cannabis harms, benefits described in new public health statements

OHA revises, expands statements published after Measure 91 passage in 2014

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority has published updated public health statements offering guidance to clinicians, local public health agencies, legislators and the public on the potential harms and benefits of cannabis use.

Based on extensive review of scientific literature and key reports from around the world, the 2026 Cannabis Public Health Statements expand and revise previous statements an OHA-convened Retail Marijuana Scientific Advisory Committee developed in 2015. The earlier statements, which were updated in 2017, were created following the 2014 passage of Measure 91, which legalized recreational marijuana use, sale, and possession.

Cannabis policy and science has changed considerably since 2017. “We set out to capture as much recent data and evidence as possible, from hundreds of studies and reports, to provide a comprehensive picture of the potential health harms and health benefits of cannabis use,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at the OHA Public Health Division.

The statements are for educational purposes and are not a substitute for medical care or consultation with a health care professional. 

The summary accompanying the statements describes cannabis terminology, cannabis products and potency, how cannabis is consumed, and recommendations for individuals considering cannabis use. The summary also offers guidance on interpreting the public health statements, including cautioning that health outcomes described as “linked to” or having an association with cannabis use or exposure do not prove causation.

The statements’ findings include moderate or strong evidence linking cannabis use and health harms. Those include:

• Respiratory health—Respiratory diseases and symptoms related to particulate matter in smoke; chronic bronchitis from heavy smoking; e-cigarette or vaping product use-related lung injury.
• Cardiovascular and metabolic health—Heart attack and stroke; cancer; pre-cancerous changes in the lungs, related to cancer-causing chemicals present in cannabis smoke (both firsthand and secondhand smoke); testicular cancer.
• Injuries—Motor vehicle crashes when driving after cannabis use; severe burn injuries from vaporizing device failures and home butane extraction of hash oil; toxicity and poisoning, sometimes requiring emergency department visits or hospitalization.
• Neurological health—Impairments in memory, attention, decision making, and learning; up to a month after use for frequent cannabis use.
• Mental health and substance use—Suicide; psychosis, including schizophrenia, especially people with long-term use, adolescents, and people using high-THC products; cannabis use disorder from frequent cannabis use and use of high-THC products; worsening of bipolar disorder.
• Reproductive health and early child development—Fetal health effects from maternal use during pregnancy, including infants being born small for gestational age or with low birthweight; attention problems, reduced cognitive function, and decreased academic ability and IQ scores in children after maternal use during pregnancy.
• Cannabis use in childhood and young adulthood—Low academic achievement, such as not graduating from high school; developing cannabis use dependence or disorder as an adult; high-risk use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs as an adult; increased psychotic symptoms and disorders such as schizophrenia in adulthood, from regular use; depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts; poisoning of children consuming cannabis edibles, causing severe health effects that may require hospitalization.
• Other health topics—Gastrointestinal effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; long-term use is associated with cannabis hyperemesis disorder (severe, re-occurring vomiting).

Findings of moderate or strong evidence linking cannabis use and health benefits included:

• Respiratory conditions—Short-term improvement of airflow in the lungs.
• Cancer—Treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting with pharmaceutical THC (dronabinol).
• Neurological health—Treatment for specific types of seizure disorders or epilepsy (pediatric Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex) with pharmaceutical CBD (Epidiolex); treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity symptoms with pharmaceutical nabiximols; improvements in chronic pain in adults, especially with oral or sublingual cannabinoids (nabiximols, nabilone, dronabinol)

The summary describes limitations with some of the Cannabis Public Health Statements, noting that “A few health statements are listed that have ‘insufficient evidence’ because they were included in other major reviews or prior Oregon health statements.” The summary also points out that “Due to the evolution of cannabis products, and lack of clarity in the research, actual risks could vary by product type (for example, smoked, edible, or vaporized), and by the amount of THC, CBD, and other ingredients or additives in products.”

In addition, according to summary authors, the review was conducted with a small team of OHA staff with limited resources, and as such, “our approach was not as in depth as a very large review, such as reviews by the Cochrane Collaboration or the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.”

“Although we aimed to conduct a comprehensive review, these findings should not be taken to be exhaustive and representative of the entire body of cannabis health effects research, which is constantly expanding,” summary authors wrote.

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TALENT, Ore. – If you are a small woodland, vineyard, or orchard manager you may know the frustrations of being left with a large amount of woody debris after a harvest or pruning. Trying to decide what to do with all that material is one thing but wait too long and you can accidentally create the perfect habitat for pest insects that can do a great deal of damage to your standing timber or crops. Many landowners are turning to Air Curtain Incinerators (ACI) to help manage the leftover woody debris. An ACI is a specialized piece of equipment that burns woody biomass. Burning in an ACI produces much less smoke and particulate matter than an open burn pile.

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026 the Oregon Department of Forestry is hosting a live ACI demo. This demo will be held at the Plant Oregon Nursery, 8651 Wagner Creek Road in Talent. Attendees are welcome to drop in from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This demo is perfect for fire departments, local governments, natural area land managers, Firewise communities, prescribed burn associations, nurseries, orchards, vineyards, arborists, landowners, and any anyone who has to manage woody biomass looking for alternative to chipping or pile burning. Attendees will learn about what an ACI is and how to operate one, the benefits of using one, and how the biochar produced can be used to improve your soil.

It is free to attend the ACI demo, but attendees are asked to register before attending. To register and learn more about ACI visit http://tiny.cc/ACI-demos. For questions or help registering, contact InvasivePests@odf.oregon.gov.

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