Oregon Department of Justice

Joint effort by Klamath Falls Police Department, Klamath County Sheriff's Office and Oregon Department of Justice Drug Crimes Strike Force

A total of 14 search warrants resulted in 20 arrests as part of a joint drug investigation by the Klamath Falls Police Department, Klamath County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon Department of Justice.

The investigation is the first major case by the multi-agency Drug Crimes Strike Force, which was funded by a $1.5 million federal grant secured by Oregon Attorney General John Kroger in 2009.

"We are committed to working with sheriffs, local police and law enforcement across Oregon to combat major drug operations," said Deputy Attorney General Mary Williams.

The service of the 14 search warrants Wednesday morning was the culmination of a multi-agency investigation that began several months ago. The investigation initially focused on a network of illegal manufacturing, sales and possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and prescription drug in the Klamath Falls area. The investigation expanded to include weapons charges, theft, possession of stolen property and probation/parole violations.

The search warrants were executed at the following locations in Klamath County: 2630 Bisbee St. #5; 1017 Martin St.; 2421 Radcliffe Ave.;  235 Martin St.; 2321 Eberlein Ave.; 2250 Garden Ave.; 525 Prescott St.; 710 Wocus St.; 2800 California Ave. #1; 2050 Darrow Ave.; 2043 White St. #5; 2132 Orchard Ave.; 2427 Radcliffe Ave.; and 8003 Hwy 66.

As of this time, 20 people have been taken into custody on a variety of charges. All of those arrested were transported to the Klamath County Jail where they were lodged without incident. Additional arrests and charges are forthcoming.

A criminal indictment is merely an allegation. Every criminal defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Serving the search warrants, taking suspects into custody and seizing drugs and weapons involved 47 police officers, deputies, special agents, and support personnel from the 3 law enforcement agencies, the Klamath County Community Corrections and Klamath County Fire District #1. Klamath County Fire District #1 assisted members of the interagency SWAT team by staging emergency medical personnel and equipment in the areas where the search warrants were being served.

The Oregon State Police Bomb Squad, Central Point Office, also assisted at a residence where two suspected destructive devices were located. The devices were rendered safe and taken into custody by the Bomb Squad for further examination.

The new Drug Crimes Strike Force works with drug and gang investigators, local police and district attorneys. The team initiates new cases, enhances investigations and pursues arrests and convictions. The Drug Crimes Strike Force will work with the Oregon High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area board, the Oregon Sheriffs' Association, the Oregon Police Chiefs' Association and the Oregon District Attorneys' Association

Senior Assistant Attorney General Shannon Kmetic is providing prosecution assistance to the Klamath District Attorney's Office.

Those arrested are as follows with their charges.

Jorge Rodriguez-Caro, 2630 Bisbee St. #5. (DOB: 6/1/73)

• Delivery of Control Substance within 1000 feet of school (5 counts)
• Possession of a Control Substance (6 counts)

Alicia Baxter, 2050 Darrow Ave. (DOB: 10/9/84)

• Delivery of Control Substance within 1000 feet of school
• Possession of a Control Substance (2 counts)

Arlene Cobb, 11 Main St. (DOB: 2/16/60)

• Delivery of Control Substance within 1000 feet of school
• Possession of a Control Substance

Arren Broderick, 1017 Martin St. (DOB: 7-10-68)

• Delivery of Control Substance (3 counts)
• Possession of a Control Substance (3 counts)

Benito Salazar, 2050 Darrow Ave. (DOB: 12/12/68)

• Delivery of Control Substance within 1000 feet of school (4 counts)
• Possession of a Control Substance (4 counts)

Denny Taber, 710 Wocus St. (DOB: 4/13/81)

• Delivery of Control Substance
• Possession of a Control Substance

James Mitchell, 2427 Radcliffe Ave. (DOB: 11/2/60)

• Delivery of Control Substance
• Unlawful Possession of a Destructive Device
• Possession of a Control Substance

Janalee Quintana, 2800 California Ave., #31. (DOB: 12/31/64)

• Delivery of Control Substance within 1000 feet of school (2 counts)
• Possession of a Control Substance (2 counts)

Kelly Freer, address unknown. (DOB: 9/24/77)

• Delivery of Control Substance within 1000 feet of school (3 counts)
• Possession of a Control Substance (3 counts)

Peggy Payan, 2321 Eberlein Ave. (DOB: 9/11/66)

• Delivery of Control Substance
• Delivery of Control Substance within 1000 feet of school (3 counts)
• Possession of a Control Substance (4 counts)

Richard Carpenter, 2421 Radcliffe Ave. (DOB: 12/22/67)

• Possession of a Control Substance (3 counts)
• Delivery of Control Substance (3 counts)

Shawna Baldwin, 2250 Garden Ave. (DOB: 9/25/73)

• Delivery of Control Substance (3 counts)
• Possession of a Control Substance (3 counts)

Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department's mission is to fight crime and fraud, protect the environment, improve child welfare, promote a positive business climate, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.