LANE COUNTY, Ore. (April 27, 2026) — Oregon State Police executed coordinated search warrants early Friday morning, April 24, at two residences along Siuslaw River Road in southern Lane County, resulting in the arrest of two men following a months-long investigation involving illegal hunting activity, firearms violations, and trespassing.
Troopers from the Springfield, Albany, and Oakridge patrol offices were joined by OSP SWAT personnel during the early morning operation targeting the properties, which investigators said were tied to a case involving a convicted felon and another individual allegedly engaged in unlawful hunting on private land while in possession of restricted weapons.
Authorities reported that both suspects were taken into custody without incident.
Destin Christopher Hunt, 28, was lodged at the Lane County Jail on initial charges including felon in possession of a firearm, criminal trespass, no big game tag, and hunting without a valid license. Following the execution of the search warrants, additional felony charges were added, including unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of firearm silencers, and unlawful possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.
The second suspect, Jesse James Chenoweth, 38, was also lodged at the Lane County Jail. Initial charges included unlawful possession of a firearm, criminal trespass, no big game tag, no hunting license, and violation of a stalking/protective order. After the search, investigators added charges of unlawful possession of wildlife, including buck deer, bobcat, and grouse.
Officials have not released further details regarding the investigation but indicated that evidence collected during the search warrants is expected to be reviewed as the case proceeds.
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