Nicholas James Cantrell, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Assault on Certain Officers, Oregon 2023

PORTLAND, Ore. – In a shocking case of brutality, Nicholas James Cantrell, 28, has been sentenced to 12 years and 3 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm and assaulting a Multnomah County Sheriff deputy while being held on a federal detainer at the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC).

According to court documents, Cantrell was arrested and booked into MCDC after fleeing Gresham Police and abandoning a bag containing a firearm and a digital scale. While in custody for the federal firearm charge, Cantrell assaulted a jail deputy by repeatedly punching, choking, and slamming the deputy’s head against the floor until the deputy lost consciousness.

Cantrell previously pleaded guilty to one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearm and assault on certain officers or employees on February 13, 2018.

The case was jointly investigated by the United States Marshals Service, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Gresham Police, and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecutors Jane Shoemaker and John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, successfully argued the case.

Nicholas James Cantrell, a 28-year-old man from Oregon, was found guilty of two serious crimes. He was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison, a staggering 12 years and 3 months, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and assaulting a Multnomah County Sheriff deputy.

The investigation and prosecution of this case are a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in Oregon. The fact that Cantrell was able to assault a deputy while in custody is a disturbing reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers.

As we continue to report on crime and justice in Oregon, we are reminded of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The sentence handed down to Nicholas James Cantrell is a just outcome, and we hope that it brings closure to the victims and their families.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/oregon-man-sentenced-more-12-years-federal-prison-assault-and-firearms-charges