Cave Junction Man Dumps 14 Years for Meth, Guns

Cave Junction man William Thomas Gillespie, 39, was sentenced to 173 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for illegally possessing methamphetamine and 12 firearms while on state supervision, reported the DOJ USAO in Oregon.

Gillespie was arrested in White City, Oregon on April 6, 2020, attempting to deliver approximately 174 grams of methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest, he possessed six baggies of methamphetamine and a digital scale. After Gillespie consented to a search of his residence, investigators located and seized 12 firearms, including an AR-15 and multiple AK-style rifles. Three of the firearms were found to be stolen and one had an obliterated serial number.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices Chief, Nathan J. Lichvarick, praised the work of the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement Team, saying, ‘This lengthy prison sentence is a just outcome for a man who poses a significant danger to the community. We thank our partners on the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement Team for their dedication and commitment over many months to bringing Mr. Gillespie to justice.’

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge, Jonathan Blais, echoed Lichvarick’s sentiments, stating, ‘With Mr. Gillespie’s lengthy criminal record involving drug distribution, illegal firearms, and flight from supervised release, this significant sentence is well warranted.’

Gillespie’s lengthy criminal history includes drug distribution, illegal firearms, and flight from supervised release. He pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute on August 1, 2022.

After Gillespie absconded from his supervised release in January 2023, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was later located and arrested in Bandon, Oregon on September 13, 2023. The case was investigated by the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement Team (RADE), a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith R. Harper, who stated that the lengthy prison sentence was a result of Gillespie’s significant danger to the community. The ATF will continue to investigate those who endanger communities through their illegal actions.