Tractor Trailer Accident in Sherman County Leads to Federal Indictment Charging Multiple Drug Crimes

PORTLAND, Ore. – Salvador  Martinez-Perez, 53, East Wenatchee, Washington,  appeared today before U.S. Magistrate  Dennis J. Hubel and plead not guilty to a federal indictment charging him with four counts of conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.  On January 17, 2014, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to a semi-tractor trailer rollover on HWY 97 in Sherman County, Oregon.  Upon arriving at the accident scene, SCSO Deputies identified one sole occupant/driver of the subject vehicle who was transporting fresh produce.  The driver was not injured and was released from the scene. The following day, a private tow company was dispatched to the accident scene to remove the inoperable semi-tractor trailer. While tow company employees were unloading the inside of the cargo bed, two bundles of narcotics fell from the produce pallets. SCSO were contacted and responded to the scene and located inside the trailer approximately 190 pounds of methamphetamine, 7.5 kilograms of cocaine, and 11 pounds of heroin.

Defendant remains in federal custody pending a trial date of April 22, 2014.  An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant should be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by Sherman County Sheriff’s Office, DEA, and Oregon State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kemp Strickland is handling the prosecution of the case.