Task Force Busts Burglary Ring Targeting Rogue Valley Marijuana Businesses

Central Point, Oregon- After a year-long investigation, detectives from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) have dismantled a burglary ring responsible for a series of thefts at licensed marijuana businesses in Jackson and Josephine Counties. The suspects, arrested following a coordinated operation, were linked to 16 burglaries committed between April 2023 and June 2024.

On the morning of Tuesday, April 13, JCSO deputies, detectives, and the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) executed two simultaneous search warrants at locations in Central Point. The properties searched were located in the 1000 block of Glengrove Avenue and the 500 block of Mazama Street. A subsequent search warrant was served at two storage units in the 1400 block of 2nd Avenue in Gold Hill. The operation led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of key evidence, including eight firearms and 520 pounds of marijuana. Oregon State Police (OSP) assisted with the execution of these warrants.

The suspects apprehended were identified as Mitchell Jeffrey King, 35, and Dylan Buck McNerney, 31, both from Central Point, and Kenneth Alan Parker II, 48, from Gold Hill. The three face a combined total of 65 charges, with King facing 32 charges, Parker 23, and McNerney 10. The charges include multiple counts of second-degree burglary, criminal conspiracy, first-degree aggravated theft, first-degree theft, attempted first-degree theft, first-degree criminal mischief, and unlawful possession of a marijuana item. Additionally, Parker has been charged with felon in possession of a firearm.

The case remains under active investigation, with detectives pursuing additional leads. The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office has taken up the case for prosecution, and more charges related to burglaries in Josephine County are expected.

IMET, a multi-agency task force, played a significant role in the investigation. The task force, funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, focuses on combating the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET includes personnel from JCSO, Homeland Security Investigations, OSP, Medford Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.

Authorities say no further information is available at this time.