In a recent case, a man from Gresham, Oregon, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for transporting methamphetamine to Central Oregon. Dennis Richard DeChenne Jr., 39, had been under investigation by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team for his involvement in the transportation and distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin. The investigation revealed that DeChenne would transport the drugs to Central Oregon and use local runners to sell them. He was apprehended in August 2020 at a casino in southern Oregon, where law enforcement found two pounds of methamphetamine and a loaded pistol in his vehicle. DeChenne pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison, with five years of supervised release. The case was investigated by the CODE team in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Sweet.
Background
The defendant in this case is Dennis Richard DeChenne Jr., a 39-year-old resident of Gresham, Oregon. DeChenne has a lengthy criminal history. In April 2020, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team initiated an investigation into DeChenne, as they had received information that he was involved in transporting large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin from the Portland area to Central Oregon for resale.
During their investigation, law enforcement officials discovered that DeChenne would transport the drugs and then stay in a Bend, Oregon hotel for several days at a time. He would then employ local runners to sell the drugs on his behalf. This information formed the basis for his arrest.
Sentencing and Charges
Dennis Richard DeChenne Jr. has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. In addition, he will be subjected to five years of supervised release upon his release from prison. The length of the sentence is reflective of the severity of his crimes.
DeChenne was charged with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The charge was made by a criminal information, and DeChenne pleaded guilty to the single charge on April 7, 2023.
Case Details
One of the main charges against DeChenne was transporting large quantities of drugs. Law enforcement officials discovered that he was involved in transporting methamphetamine and heroin from the Portland area to Central Oregon for resale. This activity involved significant quantities of drugs and posed a serious threat to the community.
DeChenne was also involved in drug resale. After transporting the drugs to Central Oregon, he would stay in a Bend hotel for several days at a time. During this period, he would use local runners to distribute and sell the drugs.
The investigation and arrest of DeChenne were carried out by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These agencies played a crucial role in gathering the evidence and ensuring that DeChenne was brought to justice.
Discovery of Drugs and Weapon
During the arrest of Dennis Richard DeChenne Jr., law enforcement officials located two pounds of methamphetamine and a loaded pistol in his vehicle. This discovery further substantiated the charges against him and demonstrated the dangerous nature of his criminal activities.
The presence of a significant quantity of methamphetamine is indicative of DeChenne’s involvement in large-scale drug trafficking. Additionally, the loaded pistol raises concerns about the potential for violence and further criminal activity.
Legal Proceedings
Dennis Richard DeChenne Jr. was charged with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The charge was made by a criminal information, which is a formal written statement that details the charges against a defendant. On April 7, 2023, DeChenne pleaded guilty to the single charge, indicating his acknowledgement of guilt and his willingness to accept the consequences of his actions.
Investigating Agencies
The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) were the primary investigating agencies in this case. These agencies worked together to gather evidence, conduct surveillance, and ultimately bring Dennis Richard DeChenne Jr. to justice.
The CODE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that includes members from various law enforcement agencies such as the Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Sunriver, and Black Butte Police Departments, the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department, the Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, the Oregon State Police, the Oregon National Guard, DEA, and the FBI. This collaborative effort was crucial in ensuring the successful outcome of the investigation and arrest.
Prosecutor
The prosecution in this case was led by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. As a dedicated prosecutor, Sweet worked diligently to build a strong case against Dennis Richard DeChenne Jr. and secure a just outcome for the community.
Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force
The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team operates as a multi-jurisdictional task force, pooling resources and expertise from various law enforcement agencies. The team includes members from the Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Sunriver, and Black Butte Police Departments, the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department, the Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, the Oregon State Police, the Oregon National Guard, DEA, and the FBI.
The CODE team’s mission is to target and disrupt major drug trafficking organizations in Central Oregon. In this case, their collaboration and coordination were instrumental in gathering evidence, making arrests, and dismantling DeChenne’s drug operation.
The Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program provided support to the CODE team. HIDTA is a federal program that provides funding, equipment, and resources to task forces in designated high-intensity drug trafficking areas. Their assistance played a crucial role in the success of this investigation.
Related Content
This case is part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking in the district. The District of Oregon has seen an increase in drug trafficking cases, and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to address this issue. By targeting and prosecuting individuals like Dennis Richard DeChenne Jr., authorities hope to send a strong message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in the community.
Contact Information
For more information about the District of Oregon and its efforts to combat drug trafficking, please contact:
District of Oregon Main Office 1000 SW Third Ave Suite 600 Portland, Oregon 97204
Email: USAO-OR
Telephone: (503)727-1000