Over the course of a months-long narcotics investigation, law enforcement agencies arrested eight people, seized suspected drugs and a firearm, and executed a search warrant at a Madras residence believed to be involved in drug distribution.
According to the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team, detectives working alongside the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) spent several months investigating 40-year-old Elizabeth Ann Chavez of Madras, 35-year-old Brent Lee Waldorf of Madras, and a residence in the 400 block of Southeast Grizzly Road. The investigation culminated in a series of arrests and searches on the evening of Wednesday, June 24.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to stop a blue Chevrolet Malibu near U.S. Highway 97 and Northeast Elm Lane as part of the investigation. Authorities said the driver refused to stop, leading deputies on a pursuit.
Spike strips were deployed, successfully deflating two of the vehicle’s tires, but the driver continued fleeing. As the vehicle entered a residential neighborhood near Northeast 10th Street and Northeast Loucks Drive, officers determined the pursuit posed an increasing risk to public safety and used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Three people were taken into custody following the stop.
The driver, 40-year-old Nicholas Alin Speck of Redmond, was arrested on charges of attempting to elude police by vehicle, reckless driving, reckless endangering, and felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities identified the front-seat passenger as 39-year-old Andrew John Jones of Bend, who was arrested on an outstanding probation violation warrant. Rear-seat passenger Brent Lee Waldorf was arrested on charges of unlawful possession and unlawful delivery of fentanyl after investigators said he was found with a commercial quantity of suspected fentanyl.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Keira responded to the scene and alerted to the odor of narcotics inside the vehicle. Detectives obtained a search warrant, and during the search recovered a handgun and additional drug-related items. Investigators allege Speck was unlawfully in possession of the firearm.
While the traffic stop was unfolding, other CODE agents continued surveillance of the Southeast Grizzly Road residence. Investigators observed several people leaving the home, including one person on a scooter and another on a bicycle, before additional occupants departed in a vehicle that was later stopped by police.
Authorities said Elizabeth Ann Chavez fled from the vehicle on foot in an attempt to escape but was quickly apprehended. Investigators reported she was found in possession of methamphetamine and arrested on charges of unlawful possession and unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, as well as third-degree escape.
Another passenger, 48-year-old Kenneth Lee Crutcher of Redmond, was arrested on a parole violation warrant after officers discovered he was carrying a Taser. He also faces a charge of felon in possession of a weapon.
Investigators then executed a previously obtained search warrant at the residence on Southeast Grizzly Road, where nine additional people were found inside.
Among those arrested at the residence were 42-year-old Jeremy James Wisely of Madras, who was taken into custody on a probation violation warrant, and 49-year-old Victor Manuel Chavez of Madras, who was arrested for second-degree disorderly conduct after allegedly becoming verbally aggressive with officers and causing a disturbance.
During the search of the home, detectives seized drug-related items and evidence consistent with the distribution of controlled substances.
The investigation was led by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team with assistance from the DEA, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras Police Department, and Oregon State Police.
All eight individuals were lodged at the Jefferson County Jail.
The CODE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. The task force includes investigators from numerous local, state, tribal, and federal agencies working together to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating throughout Central Oregon.
The case remains under investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the CODE team.
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