Law enforcement agencies conducted a major crime ring bust Friday, Nov. 22, that broke up an organization involved in illegal gun possession, identity theft and property theft, victimizing folks from around the region, including Sandy and Damascus.
The monthslong investigation culminated with a pair of search warrants at two locations. The crime ring operated in nine different jurisdictions across the state, including Portland, Newberg, Sandy, Damascus, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Washington County, Silverton and Oregon City.
In total seven people were arrested, including three juvenile and four adult men. Five firearms were seized, four of which were reported stolen out of West Linn, Lafayette, Tualatin and Portland. One Taser, reported stolen out of Oregon City, was also recovered. A stolen car, 7 ID cards, 35 credit cards, and 50 Visa gift cards were also found.
Those taken into custody, and the charges they face, were:
A 16-year-old from Portland: three counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; four counts of possessing a stolen vehicle; eight counts of unlawful entry into a motor vehicle; four counts of fraudulent use of a credit card; four counts of identity theft; four counts of computer crime; five counts of unlawful possession of firearms; possession of a loaded firearm in a public place; three counts of first-degree theft; two counts of criminal trespassingElijah D. Sarinana, 18, of Portland: four counts of unlawful possession of firearms; three counts of first-degree theftAli Ibrahim Mohamed, 20, of Portland: two counts of unlawful entry into a motor vehicle; fraudulent use of a credit card; identity theft; computer crimeA 17-year-old juvenile from Portland: three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle; three counts possession of a stolen vehicle; six counts unlawful entry into a motor vehicle; three counts of fraudulent use of a credit card; three counts of identity theft; second-degree criminal trespass; three counts of computer crime; unlawful possession of firearms; possession of a loaded firearm in a public placeA 17-year-ol juvenile from Portland: four counts of unlawful possession of firearms; three counts of first-degree theftAssad Osman, 20, of Portland: four counts of unlawful possession of firearms; three counts of first-degree theftAndrew Van Nguyen, 21, of Portland: five counts felon in possession of a firearm; three counts of first-degree theft