Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

MEDFORD, OR—Victor Valencia, 27, formerly of Ashland, Oregon, was sentenced yesterday to 180 months in federal prison for conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine. Valencia and co-defendants Alex Valencia, Tina Brown, and Rocky Bass were responsible for distributing methamphetamine throughout the Rogue Valley from January 2009 through October 2010.

This conviction was the result of a long-term investigation where agents determined that members of the Valencia family were trafficking multiple pounds of methamphetamine from California to the Medford, Oregon area between 2002 through 2010. Federal agents determined that the Valencias would also use other family members and associates to distribute cocaine and marijuana.

A court-authorized federal wiretap disclosed numerous drug-related conversations between Alex Valencia, Victor Valencia, Tina Brown, and their various customers. Those discussions involved the supply of methamphetamine and cocaine, arranging for the delivery of methamphetamine and cocaine, and collecting money from their various customers.

In October 2010, federal agents and local law enforcement officers executed several search warrants in the Medford area including a warrant on Victor Valencia’s residence. Agents found cocaine, digital scales, packaging, and approximately $2,600 in cash.

Senior U.S. District Judge Owen M. Panner enhanced Valencia’s sentence taking into account his managerial role in the organization. He also sentenced Valencia to five years of supervised release.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Judith Harper and Pamala Holsinger prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team (MADGE), Medford Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson County Community Justice, Oregon State Police, RADE Team, Ashland Police Department, Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Justice/HIDTA. Further information can be obtained from AUSA Harper at (541) 776-3564 or Gerri Badden, Public Information Officer, at (503) 727-1033.