Mexican Drug Cartel, Oregonians, Teamed To Sell Drugs: Indictment

PORTLAND, OR – The man in the picture is 43-year-old Victor Alvarez Farfan of Oregon City. He is one of 22 people in Oregon and Washington charged with being part of a drug trafficking ring that worked with a Mexican cartel.

The nine-count indictment unsealed in federal court in Portland states that Farfan would receive heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines from the cartel based in Michoacain, Mexico and distribute it throughout the metro region – selling it as far north as Tacoma.

The group also made and sold crystal meth.

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Prosecutors say that "large quantities" of the drugs were sold in Portland, Gresham, Hillsboro, Wilsonville, Tacoma, Hood River, and other places.

According to the indictment, Farfan would give methamphetamine to a co-defendant, 41-year-old John Armas of Hillsboro, who would then use other associates to sell the drug in the region.

Seven people from Hillsboro are named in the indictment, along with residents of Gresham, Salem Portland, Astoria, Chehalis, Vancouver, and Hood River.

The group would hide drugs in homes, cars, and even in lawn ornaments in Hillsboro, according to the indictment. They would also allegedly send profits out of state.

"While our country suffers from the effects of pervasive substance abuse, Mexican drug trafficking cartels continue bringing deadly narcotics into our communities," US Attorney for Oregon, Billy Williams said in announcing the indictment. "Thanks to the vigilance and sustained cooperation of law enforcement agencies across Oregon, this cartel’s efforts to maintain their foothold in our communities has been dealt a lasting blow.

"We will continue pursuing criminal drug traffickers and ensure their actions are met with severe consequences."

Of the 22 people who were indicted, 15 are in custody and appeared in federal court where they entered pleas of not guilty.

The names of five people have not been released and are redacted from the indictment that has been made public.

The indictment grew out of an extended investigation by federal and local law enforcement agencies.

"The teamwork displayed – local, federal and across state lines – makes me thankful for the strong partnerships we have in public safety," Washington County Sheriff Pat Garrett said.

Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts added: "Our united message is: 'don’t bring this to Oregon or we in law enforcement will soon be knocking on your door."

The defendants named in the indictment are:

• Victor Alvarez Farfan is charged with conspiracy, two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit the laundering of monetary instruments.
• John Armas is charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit the laundering of monetary instruments.
• Silverio Rubio Valdovinos, 35, of Gresham, is charged with conspiracy.
• Eduardo Alvarez Farfan, 24, of Gresham, is charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and conspiracy to commit the laundering of monetary instruments.
• Roberto Carlos Farfan Alvarez, 23, of Oregon City, is charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
• Genaro Fernandez Gonzalez, 26, of Salem, Oregon, is charged with conspiracy.
• Randy Eugene Roberts, 51, of Hillsboro, is charged with conspiracy.
• Kathleen Joan Roberts, 53, of Hillsboro, is charged with conspiracy.
• Socorro Elena Gutierrez, 38, of Hillsboro, is charged with conspiracy.
• Taylor Michael McKemie, 55, of Hillsboro, is charged with conspiracy and conspiracy to commit the laundering of monetary instruments.
• Keith Frederick Teufel, 59, of Hillsboro, is charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
• Randall Deal Mauel, 47, of Chehalis, Washington, is charged with conspiracy.
• Rene Diaz Gutierrez, 36, of Vancouver, Washington, is charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
• Catherine Arlene Cunningham, 51, of Hood River, is charged with conspiracy.
• Kirstie Alexandria Mirelez, 27, of Portland, is charged with conspiracy.
• Jessica Marie Stinnett, 39, of Astoria, Oregon, is charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
• Athena Marie Johnson, 48, of Hillsboro, is charged with conspiracy.

Photo of Farfan via Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.