An Oregon State Police investigation in Josephine County resulted in the arrest of a suspected drug dealer, the seizure of more than 100 grams of fentanyl and the recovery of multiple firearms this week.
On Monday, OSP Drug Enforcement Section troopers located 35-year-old Jesse Michael Rigel who was wanted on an outstanding warrant for parole violation stemming from previous convictions for Assault, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Hit-and-Run and Possession of Methamphetamine.
According to OSP, Rigel had been evading police for more than a year. While searching an associated property in the 17,000-block of Redwood Highway, detectives located and recovered two stolen vehicles.
Detectives additionally located and seized seven firearms including one that had been reported stolen, body armor, about 108 grams of suspected fentanyl and three grams of methamphetamine. Also found was evidence of narcotics distribution.
Jesse Rigel was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the outstanding warrant. Jail records indicate he has since been transferred to another agency. However, he still faces additional local charges pending the conclusion of the investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Grants Pass Police Department and Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE). Detectives said the investigation is ongoing.
