3 are arrested in BENT action
By Terry Murry on Friday, May 17th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Blue Mountain Enforcement Narcotics Team, assisted by the Pendleton Police Department, served a narcotics search warrant Wednesday at 2019 SW 44th St. Lt. Brandon Gomez reports that a substantial quantity of fentanyl an marijuana with commercial drug factors were found inside the residence.
“This was a prolonged investigation hampered by the difficulties of Measure 110,” Gomez stated. “However, with the recent reforms made by the legislature to correct some of the shortfalls created by the measure, BENT was able to regain access to tools previously used to address drug dealers of this type in our communities. This residence was a problem location for illegal drug activity in this particular neighborhood for some time, which will now hopefully be resolved with the arrest of those responsible for the illegal activity.”
The detectives arrested Levi William Owen, 37, Zachary Taylor Owen, 38, and Stephanie Dianne Hamilton, 35. They are charged with. Levi Owen is charged with manufacture of controlled substance (marijuana) and distribution of controlled substance (fentanyl). Zachary Owen is charged with manufacture of controlled substance (marijuana). Hamilton is charged with distribution of controlled substance (fentanyl). The charges involving marijuana are C felonies. The charges involving fentanyl are B felonies.
Gomez says the investigation is still active. BENT is made up of law enforcement and members from the Pendleton Police Department, Oregon State Police, Hermiston Police Department, Milton-Freewater Police Department, Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Boardman Police Department, Umatilla Tribal Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Oregon National Guard.
Editor’s note: The headline was corrected to indicate 3 are arrested. We regret they typo.
