In a landmark sentencing, Marcos Alonso Castillo-Bernal, a Mexican National residing in Marion County, Oregon, has been sentenced to 26 years in federal prison for his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of a Washington State man in 2019. Alongside his role in drug trafficking crimes, Castillo-Bernal assumed control of a Mexican drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing large quantities of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit OxyContin, in the Portland area. The investigation revealed that Castillo-Bernal and his co-conspirators kidnapped, held hostage, and ultimately murdered Ricardo Corral-Moreno due to a debt he owed to Castillo-Bernal. The case was the result of a collaborative effort by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Portland Police Bureau, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, and Clackamas County Interagency Task Force.
Curious about your city’s darkest crime stories? Dive in here!
Title
Portland Area Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 26 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Deadly Kidnapping of Washington State Man
Summary
A Mexican national, Marcos Alonso Castillo-Bernal, has been sentenced to federal prison for his involvement in the deadly kidnapping and murder of Ricardo Corral-Moreno in 2019. Castillo-Bernal was also found to be connected to a drug trafficking organization operating in the Portland area. This article provides an overview of the case, including details of the crime, the investigation, and the legal proceedings that led to Castillo-Bernal’s sentencing.
Background
The case revolves around the kidnapping and murder of Ricardo Corral-Moreno, a resident of Olympia, Washington. The crime took place in 2019 and has since been the subject of a thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies. The incident occurred in the Portland area, involving both local and federal authorities. Additionally, there is a connection between the crime and a larger drug trafficking organization operating in the region.
Investigation
The investigation into the kidnapping and murder of Ricardo Corral-Moreno was initiated by the Portland Police Bureau (PPB). Given the seriousness of the crime and the potential connections to organized crime, federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were brought in to aid in the investigation. This collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies played a crucial role in uncovering evidence and identifying the individuals involved in the crime.
The Crime
Ricardo Corral-Moreno was kidnapped and subsequently murdered by Marcos Alonso Castillo-Bernal and his co-conspirators. The motivation behind the crime was rooted in money owed to Castillo-Bernal and others. The victim’s body was discovered in a rural area near Molalla, Oregon. Investigators determined that Corral-Moreno had been tied up and died from blunt force injuries to the back of his head. The discovery of Castillo-Bernal’s DNA on the victim’s cheek and ankle further implicated him in the crime.
Role of Marcos Alonso Castillo-Bernal
Marcos Alonso Castillo-Bernal assumed control of the drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing large quantities of illegal drugs in and around Portland. He played a direct role in the distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit OxyContin. Additionally, Castillo-Bernal was directly involved in the planning and execution of the kidnapping and murder of Ricardo Corral-Moreno.
Legal Proceedings
Marcos Alonso Castillo-Bernal was indicted on various charges related to drug trafficking and his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Ricardo Corral-Moreno. He ultimately pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess and distribute controlled substances, conspiring to commit kidnapping resulting in death, and illegally reentering the United States. As a result, he was sentenced to 312 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon played a key role in prosecuting the case.
Delve deep into your city’s gritty crime tales; click now!
Investigative Agencies
The investigation into this case involved several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF). These agencies worked collaboratively to gather evidence, identify suspects, and ensure a comprehensive investigation.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF)
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) played a significant role in this investigation. OCDETF focuses on identifying, disrupting, and dismantling high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. By using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach, OCDETF leverages the combined strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to tackle complex criminal networks.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Marcos Alonso Castillo-Bernal for his role in the deadly kidnapping and murder of Ricardo Corral-Moreno represents a significant victory in the fight against organized drug trafficking in the Portland area. The collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies, along with the involvement of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the OCDETF, demonstrates the commitment to pursuing justice and dismantling criminal organizations. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to keep our communities safe from the threats posed by drug trafficking and organized crime.
Eager to uncover your city’s sinister side? Explore the latest crime news here!