(pictured above- Ray Driscoll, owner of  Wood River Timber, Inc. Klamath Falls)


The latest and most comprehensive coverage of local News, Sports, Business, and Community News stories in the Klamath Basin, Southern Oregon and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s BasinLife.com, KFLS News/Talk 1450AM/102.5FM, The Herald and News, and powered by Countertops by Topsecret. Call them at 541-850-8677.

 

 

 

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Klamath Basin Weather

Oregon Department of Forestry announces Wood River Timber of Klamath Falls is 2026’s top forest operator for eastern Oregon

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.”

 

A recent snorkel survey by Crater Lake National Park scientists found no Mazama newts.

Fish were introduced to the lake in the 1800s to attract visitors, and crayfish were later added as a food source. Both crayfish and fish prey on newts, contributing to their decline. The National Park Service has not yet acted on a 2023 petition from the Center for Biological Diversity seeking federal support for crayfish removal and continued captive-breeding efforts.

Although scientists detected only four wild newts in 2025, they and the Oregon Zoo captured two individuals that bred successfully, producing 20 hatchlings.

 

Dr. Rachel Sonne has launched Sunny Health Professional Corporation, a Klamath Basin practice bringing primary and preventive care directly to patients in rural communities.

A family and preventive medicine physician who has lived in Klamath Falls for about a year, Sonne recognizes that distance, terrain and weather can make medical appointments difficult. Rather than asking patients to travel for hours for a brief clinic visit, Sonne brings care to them.

Her services include home, virtual and phone appointments, as well as support for complex and chronic conditions and mental health. More information is available on the practice’s website.

 

The Thrive Church “Warming Center” will open December 1 at 235 S. Laguna Street, offering overnight shelter, hot meals, and showers through March 15 for people facing winter hardship in Klamath County.

The shelter operates nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. and recently received more than $8,000 from Cascade Health Alliance to address an unexpected funding gap.

Community members are invited to volunteer in roles such as serving meals and welcoming guests, or to donate. Visit the Thrive Church website to learn more.

 

The completion of the first phase of the Lower Klamath Lake Reconnection Project marks a significant advancement toward restoring a healthy and sustainable watershed.

Over a century has passed since the Klamath River’s inflows to the Lower Klamath Basin were interrupted, a disruption initiated by the construction of the railway in 1907. This alteration not only severed natural water supplies to Lower Klamath Lake but also occurred just before the area was designated as the nation’s inaugural protected wildlife refuge for migrating waterfowl.

The diversion of water initiated a series of ecological disturbances that have had lasting effects on both the local population and wildlife in the Klamath Basin.

In recent years, prolonged drought conditions have severely impacted endangered fish populations, led to the death of hundreds of thousands of migrating waterfowl, and left vast expanses of farmland unproductive.

 

The Klamath County School District is urging families to prepare for winter weather, which may lead to school delays or closures.

It is essential for families to receive timely alerts regarding these changes. To ensure you are informed, verify that your contact details are up to date with the school, either through the parent portal or by reaching out directly.

Additionally, you can select your preferred method of notification through the BrightArrow system, which offers alerts via text, phone call, or email.

To receive text messages, confirm your phone number in PowerSchool and text “yes” to 79041. The notification process begins as early as 4 a.m., when key personnel assess road conditions, school grounds, and weather forecasts.

Notifications are typically sent out via BrightArrow by 5:30 a.m., with all families expected to receive updates by 6 a.m. In cases of early dismissals, notifications will be communicated as soon as decisions are made. Furthermore, updates will also be posted on the district’s website and social media platforms, with local media assisting in disseminating information.

Recognizing that weather and road conditions can differ significantly across the district, the school district acknowledges that even if schools remain open, some families may find it unsafe for their children to travel. In such instances, parents are encouraged to inform the school of their child’s absence.

 

LOCAL EVENTS THIS WEEK

11/11…. The officers and members of the Klamath County Veterans of
Foreign Wars invite the community to the Veterans Day parade downtown at
10 AM and the veterans ceremony at 11 AM at the Veteran’s Park Pavilion!
What a wonderful family event to celebrate and thank our veterans!

1/11…. The Dorris Lions Club is celebrating Veterans Day with dinner at
the Butte Valley Community Center on Wednesday beginning at 4 PM with a
no host social hour and  dinner at 5 o’clock. Dinner includes a
delicious dinner of beef stew, coleslaw garlic bread, and homemade apple
pie! All veterans, active duty, military, and first responders will be
treated to a free meal!

1/13….This Friday at the Ross Ragland Theatre, experience the holiday
magic like never before with a Zaniac  Christmas! This heartwarming and
side splitting spectacle is designed to bring joy, laughter, and a
truckload of whimsy to audiences of all ages!

 

Don’t Miss These Events at The Klamath County Library

• The Aging Journey Seminar Series – Thursdays at 10am
• Don’t Miss This! Senior Education Network Medicare Seminar – Thursday, Nov. 5th at 5:30pm
• Basin Board & Card Gamers – Fridays at 2:30pm (Includes teens 12+)
• Klamath Basin Genealogical Society – Thursday, Nov. 12th at 6pm
• Don’t Miss This! Wheelchair Maintenance Workshop – Friday, Nov. 13th from 2pm to 4pm
• Adult Writers Group – Wednesday, Nov. 18th at 2pm
• Adult Craft Workshop: Honeycomb Paper Christmas Ornaments – Wednesday, Nov. 18th at 5:30pm
• Sign Up Today! Puzzlepalooza! Jigsaw Puzzle Solving Competition – Thursday, Nov. 19th at 5:30pm
• Don’t Miss This! Healthy Harvest Event Hosted by TOPS – Saturday, Nov. 21st from 10:30am to 12:30pm
• Sign Up Today! Time Travel Crafts with the SCA: Handwoven Bags – Tuesday, Nov. 24th at 5:30pm (Registration encouraged, includes teens 12 and up)
  Details on how to participate are at each link.  Call the library at 541-882-8894 for more information.

Click the pic to enter and play!

 

OREGON NEWS STORIES

142nd Wing to Conduct Veterans Day Flyovers

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.

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).

 

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) advises residents interested in obtaining individual or family health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, known as Explore Health, to take advantage of the open enrollment period from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027.

This period provides an opportunity for individuals to apply for, renew, or modify their health plans for the upcoming year, with coverage effective as early as January 1, 2027, for those who complete their enrollment or changes by December 31, 2026.

The final date to enroll or alter plans for the 2027 plan year is January 15, 2027; thereafter, changes can only be made if one qualifies for a special enrollment period.

For those who enroll or make changes between January 1 and January 15, 2027, coverage will commence on February 1, 2027, provided the first premium is paid. For further details regarding Explore Health or to participate in the open enrollment, please visit ExploreHealthOR.gov, as financial assistance is available exclusively through this platform.

By operating its own Marketplace, Oregon has more control over the technology and services people use to enroll in coverage, better access to data to understand and respond to the needs of people across the state, and greater flexibility to adapt to changing state and federal policies. It also allows Oregon to better connect the Marketplace with state programs and resources.

Explore Health includes a new online enrollment platform, a dedicated Consumer Assistance Center, and tools for community partners and insurance agents who help people enroll.

“Launching Explore Health is an important step in Oregon’s commitment to helping people get and stay covered,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, interim director of OHA. “Bringing the Marketplace home to Oregon gives us new opportunities to better understand the needs of the people we serve, respond to changes that affect their coverage, and create a more connected experience for people seeking health care coverage.”

Free help is available

People do not have to navigate health coverage on their own. Free, local help is available from certified assisters at community partner organizations and licensed insurance agents.

Visit ExploreHealthOR.gov to get started and find enrollment help.

People can also contact the Explore Health Consumer Assistance Center at 855-268-3767 (all relay calls welcome) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturday during Open Enrollment.

Open Enrollment through Explore Health ends Jan. 15, 2027. People should enroll by Dec. 31 for coverage that begins Jan. 1, 2027.

 

The Oregon Department of Transportation says gas tax revenue peaked in 2025, while fuel consumption reached its high point in 2018.

As vehicles become more fuel-efficient and electric, gasoline use is expected to decline. Two-cent gas tax increases approved in 2020, 2022, and 2024 boosted revenue, but no further increases are planned. ODOT warns that falling revenue could lead to rougher roads, more delays and closures, and less reliable travel statewide. Transportation funding is expected to be discussed by the 2027 Legislature.

 

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office reports 19 rescues on Mount Shasta so far this year, often involving out-of-area hikers who underestimate the climb, ignore turnaround signs, carry insufficient gear, or fail to plan their route.

Rescues have increased from 12 in 2025, possibly due to warmer weather and more climbing attempts. Deputy Matthew Schauf advises climbers to carry backup navigation tools, such as a GPS device or paper map, bring appropriate gear, and consult the U.S. Forest Service website before setting out.

 

 

ODHS taking additional steps to improve SNAP payment accuracy, asks households to watch for notices

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 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 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.

 

Oregon is leading a coalition of 16 states and Washington, D.C., opposing legislation that would let online lenders bypass state consumer protections.

Attorney General Dan Rayfield warns the bill could enable predatory lenders to charge Oregonians triple-digit interest rates by issuing loans through out-of-state banks. Oregon caps interest rates at 36 percent, but federal law allows banks to follow the rules of their home states, some of which impose no cap.

 

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has awarded Oregon approximately $197.3 million for a second consecutive year through the Rural Health Transformation Program.

The funding builds on first-year investments that showed progress in priorities set by the Kotek administration. The Oregon Health Authority is directing the federal funds to community-led efforts to improve rural access to maternity, primary and behavioral healthcare. Other goals include strengthening the healthcare workforce, expanding health technology, improving chronic disease prevention and management, and supporting Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes in expanding rural access and improving health outcomes.

 

Police arrested two women following searches of a massage parlor suspected of illegal activity and potential human trafficking.

Ashland police executed a search warrant at 99 China massage parlor, 290 N. Main St., on Nov. 6, and searched a neighboring home at 254 N. Main St. The investigation began in August after police received complaints and continued for three months before warrants were obtained. The women, both employees of the business, were jailed on charges related to operating a massage parlor without the required licenses.

Police have not identified them. Several state and local agencies assisted with the operation. The investigation remains active as officers continue to gather evidence.

 

A 17-year-old girl who went missing from Garden City, Utah, last year was found Sunday in Baker County, Oregon, with a 39-year-old man who was arrested without incident.

Although the FBI has not identified her, the circumstances match the disappearance of Kylie Arellano, who was 16 when she was last seen in Garden City on May 29, 2025. Authorities have not released the man’s identity or further details about his arrest.

 

Oregon is suing the federal government over new Medicaid rules that could strip eligible residents of coverage.

The Oregon Health Plan estimates that up to one-third of recipients could lose benefits. Although full implementation is scheduled to begin in January, some states have already adopted the rules. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield says people there have lost coverage because they could not navigate the added paperwork. The lawsuit argues that Congress and the Trump administration exceeded their constitutional authority by requiring Oregon to implement the changes.

 

Fewer than half of Oregon’s health care workers received a flu vaccine last fall, according to the Oregon Health Authority.

The rate fell from 85 percent in 2019 to 52 percent, with vaccination among nursing facility staff—who care for some of the state’s highest-risk patients—at just 25 percent. Ambulatory surgery centers recorded the highest rate at 62 percent, followed by hospitals at 57 percent. Oregon aims to vaccinate 90 percent of health care workers.

 

An Oregon lumber company bookkeeper has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $1 million from Tower Timber Services.

Federal prosecutors say Christina Klauda began by inflating her reported hours, then created a second employee profile to collect duplicate paychecks—one by direct deposit and another by paper check. She also filed fraudulent federal tax returns and used the owner’s signature stamp without permission. As part of her plea, Klauda must pay restitution.

 

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck off the Oregon coast at 11:20 a.m. Monday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It occurred 216 miles west of Bandon at a depth of 6.2 miles. No tsunami threat was reported.

 

Oregon Community Foundation awarded more than $5.3 million through its Community Grants program to 259 nonprofits serving all 36 counties.

The grants support work in areas including arts and culture, economic vitality, environmental health, housing, education and culturally responsive services. Sixty-seven volunteers from across the state helped review applications and shape recommendations. Now in its third decade, the program continues to prioritize organizations serving communities historically affected by bias, discrimination or underinvestment.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.