Rockie Morse, Heroin Distribution, Oregon 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. – In a stark reminder of heroin’s grip on smaller communities, Rockie Morse, 40, of Sweet Home, Oregon, was indicted for distribution of heroin that resulted in death. The federal charges against Morse were brought after an investigation led by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) uncovered a major influx of heroin into Sweet Home, Oregon.

Ashley Marie Ames, 25, a resident of Lebanon, Oregon, was found dead on October 2, 2013. Investigators found drug paraphernalia and residue quantities of black tar heroin. Prior to her death, Ames was scheduled to enter drug treatment. “Heroin dealers are the grim reapers of the drug trafficking world,” said U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall. “We are seeing a rise in heroin use in rural communities outside the main distribution hubs of Portland, Salem, and Eugene. I applaud the efforts of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA in attempting to get in front of this deadly epidemic.”

A total of 15 individuals have been arrested and are facing federal and state charges stemming from this investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office has made the investigation and prosecution of drug overdose cases a high priority due to the devastating impact drug distribution has in Oregon.

The federal indictment in this case includes three other defendants in a heroin distribution conspiracy and includes several substantive counts of heroin distribution, including distribution within 1,000 feet of Sweet Home High School. Count 1 charges Morse and Tammy Tongate with distribution of heroin resulting in death and was brought under the federal “Len Bias” statute. This count carries a statutory mandatory minimum prison term of twenty (20) years, a maximum of life in prison, and a fine of up to $2 million.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant should be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Trial is set for August 12, 2014, before U.S. District Court Judge Marco Hernandez. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah K. Bolstad.

The investigation and prosecution of this case highlight the dangers of heroin and the need for continued efforts to combat its spread. As U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall noted, heroin dealers are the grim reapers of the drug trafficking world, and their actions have devastating consequences for individuals and communities.

Mandatory facts: Defendant/Respondent: Rockie Morse, Real full name; Exact criminal charges: Distribution of heroin that resulted in death; City and state: Portland, Oregon; Exact date: October 2, 2013; Sentence or outcome: Trial set for August 12, 2014; Dollar amounts: up to $2 million fine.

Related Federal Cases