EUGENE, Ore. – Gavin Fraser, 27, of Bend, Oregon, is heading to federal prison for six years. U.S. District Judge Michael McShane handed down the 72-month sentence on March 5, 2015, after Fraser was convicted of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. When he finally gets out, he’ll have another four years under federal supervision – if he can stay out of trouble.
The bust went down on July 1, 2013. Officers with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) had Fraser under surveillance, suspecting he was making a run to Portland to pick up a supply of drugs and bring them back to Bend for resale. They were right. As Fraser’s vehicle returned, officers pulled him over and a search revealed a significant haul: approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine, 24 grams of heroin, drug scales, packaging materials, and a .22 caliber handgun. A one-stop shop for anyone looking to score, courtesy of Fraser.
This wasn’t Fraser’s first rodeo. Court records show prior convictions for unlawful delivery of both methamphetamine and heroin. He’d been on CODE’s radar for a while, the subject of multiple investigations. This July 2013 case, however, was the one that finally stuck, a culmination of the team’s persistent work. It’s a clear pattern of behavior – a repeat offender who clearly didn’t learn from past mistakes.
CODE isn’t just a two-bit operation. It’s a massive, multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force, pulling resources from across Central Oregon. The team includes the Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department, Prineville Police Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras Police Department, Oregon State Police, Sunriver Police Department, Black Butte Police Department, the DEA, Warm Springs Tribal Police Department, and the Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County District Attorney’s Offices, as well as the Oregon National Guard. A lot of manpower going after one guy, but Fraser clearly warranted the attention.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Lichvarcik prosecuted the case, building a solid case against Fraser. The evidence, combined with Fraser’s prior record, was enough to convince Judge McShane that a lengthy prison sentence was necessary. It’s a message to other would-be drug dealers in Central Oregon: move your poison, and you *will* face serious consequences.
The 72-month sentence sends a strong message that federal authorities are taking drug trafficking seriously in Oregon. While Fraser is behind bars, CODE will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle drug operations and keep the streets of Central Oregon a little bit safer. But with the opioid crisis raging, this is a never-ending battle.
Related Federal Cases
- South Bend Meth Dealer Cochran Gets 70 Months · Oregon
- Oregon Meth Mule Gets 10 Years Federal Time · Oregon
- Albany Dealer Bassetti Gets 5 Years for Heroin & Meth · Oregon
- Christopher Soares Gets 13+ Years for Meth, Gun Haul · Oregon
- Albany Dealer Anthoni Bassetti Cops 5 Years for Heroin, Meth Run · Oregon
Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking