Medford, Oregon- A federal grand jury in Medford has returned an indictment charging 56-yearvold Medford resident Wesley Allen Armstrong Jr. with various offenses including illegally possessing and selling explosives.
Armstrong faces charges of distributing explosives without proper authorization, possession and distribution of fentanyl, and possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking.
According to court documents, Armstrong came under investigation in March 2024 when detectives from the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team (MADGE) alerted special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) about his alleged involvement in possessing and intending to sell explosives.
Following an investigation, Armstrong was apprehended on March 27, 2024, after reportedly selling eight cast explosives, seven non-electric shock tube detonators, and a small quantity of fentanyl. Subsequent searches of Armstrong’s vehicle led to the discovery and seizure of a loaded pistol and additional fentanyl.
On March 28, 2024, Armstrong faced federal charges including dealing explosives without a license, possessing stolen explosives, and firearm possession as a convicted felon, among others. He appeared in federal court and was detained pending further legal proceedings. Armstrong is scheduled for arraignment on the indictment at a later date.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between ATF and MADGE, with Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, prosecuting the case.MADGE, a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force, works to identify, disrupt, and dismantle local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations through intelligence-driven strategies. Supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), MADGE comprises members from various law enforcement agencies including the Medford Police Department, the Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, Jackson County Community Corrections, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program, sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), provides funding and coordination for multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including support for MADGE’s efforts in combating drug trafficking.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Source: DOJ
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