PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national was sentenced to federal prison last Thursday for illegal possession of a firearm and reentry. Ramon Oscar Morales-Valencia, 47, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and 3 years' supervised release.
His sentence will run concurrent with his recent Marion County drug possession conviction. 'Illegal possession of firearms and narcotics by prohibited individuals fuels gun violence in our community,' said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. 'Combatting gun violence is a priority, and my office will pursue those who think they are above the law.'
'As if his illegal reentry into the United States was not enough, Morales-Valencia intentionally chose to further break our nation's laws by illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine,' said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. 'The unlawful possession of firearms and narcotics by prohibited individuals poses a serious threat to the safety of our communities, and ATF will continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who endanger our citizens.'
According to court documents, Morales-Valencia was formally removed from the United States in 2010. On April 19, 2025, Marion County Sheriff's Deputies initiated a traffic stop on an SUV Morales-Valencia was driving. He stopped the SUV and stepped from the vehicle, removing a Ruger 9mm pistol from his waistband and setting it on the driver's seat. Deputies recovered the firearm as well as methamphetamine from the SUV.
Morales-Valencia pleaded guilty in state court to possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 29 months. On September 16, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Morales-Valencia with alien in possession of a firearm and illegal reentry.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms with the assistance of the Marion County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney's Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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