A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty on May 6 to participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that resulted in a fatal fentanyl overdose and for possessing firearms as an illegal alien.
Cristhian Martinez, age 21, admitted guilt to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl as well as being an alien in possession of a firearm. As part of his plea agreement, Martinez also acknowledged distributing fentanyl that led to the death of an adult victim.
Court documents show that in September 2023, members of the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force were called to investigate a fatal overdose. Investigators found counterfeit M30 Oxycodone pills believed to contain fentanyl and identified Martinez as having sold fentanyl involved in the incident. On November 16, 2023, authorities stopped Martinez’s vehicle traveling from California into Oregon and discovered over one kilogram of compressed fentanyl during a K-9 sweep. A subsequent search of his Gladstone apartment led officers to seize more fentanyl, equipment used for producing “bricks” of powder, multiple firearms, ammunition, and other materials linked with drug trafficking.
Martinez faces up to life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, and five years supervised release. The government intends to seek a sentence of 210 months’ imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for August 4 before a U.S. District Court judge.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced the case was investigated by several agencies including the FBI and Westside Interagency Narcotics team (WIN), with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott M. Kerin for the District of Oregon.
The Justice Department serves as the principal federal agency for law enforcement with more than 115,000 employees operating throughout the United States and internationally; it focuses on upholding rule of law and ensuring public safety under Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s leadership since March 11, 2021,according to the official website.
