Medford Area Drug Trafficking Investigations Lead to Three Federal Prison Sentences

Medford, Oregon – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon has announced significant developments in three separate federal criminal cases resulting from extensive drug trafficking investigations conducted in and around Medford. This week, the culmination of these efforts has led to federal prison sentences for three individuals involved in illicit activities.

James Michael Cody Whelchel, 41, of Carson, California

On Monday, James Michael Cody Whelchel was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. Whelchel, a known drug trafficker with a lengthy criminal history, was apprehended in July 2021 after local law enforcement received information about his drug dealing activities in the Medford area. The subsequent investigation uncovered a significant drug trafficking operation run by Whelchel from a local motel. The arrest revealed a cache of evidence, including firearms, drugs, and substantial amounts of cash.

Whelchel faced a three-count indictment, and on August 14, 2023, he pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Earl Richard Shamblin III, 41, of Medford

Also sentenced on Monday was Earl Richard Shamblin III, receiving 45 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Shamblin, a known Jackson County, Oregon drug trafficker, was involved in controlled purchases of heroin between November 2019 and January 2021. His arrest in February 2021 revealed drug-related paraphernalia, records of transactions, and a significant amount of cash.

Shamblin pleaded guilty to distributing heroin on September 7, 2023.

Terril Jacob Boss, 43, of Reno, Nevada

Today, Terril Jacob Boss received a 120-month federal prison sentence and five years’ supervised release. Boss, in possession of methamphetamine and a firearm, was detained in July 2020 after a struggle with law enforcement in White City, Oregon. Subsequent search warrants uncovered additional controlled substances, firearms, and related materials.

Boss pleaded guilty on July 5, 2023, to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

All three cases were investigated by the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team (MADGE), with collaboration from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Oregon State Police.

MADGE, a comprehensive team comprised of local, state, and federal investigators, focuses on dismantling drug trafficking and criminal organizations in and around Jackson County, Oregon. Member agencies include the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, Jackson County Community Corrections, HSI, and the FBI.

Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, prosecuted the case against Whelchel, while March A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, handled the prosecutions for Shamblin and Boss.