Man Sentenced to Prison in Major Jackson County Fentanyl Trafficking Case

Medford, Oregon- A man has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in a major drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl throughout Jackson County, the District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.

John Diaz, 32, pleaded guilty on Aug. 4 to one count of Unlawful Delivery of Fentanyl and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Delivery of Fentanyl. On Aug. 6, Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Collins sentenced Diaz to 60 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections, followed by three years of post-prison supervision.

Prosecutors said Diaz played a central role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that was under investigation for two years by the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement (MADGE) team and its partner agencies. The investigation utilized six Title III wiretaps and culminated in a January 2025 raid on Diaz’s residence, which authorities described as a hub for the organization’s activities.

Officers seized large quantities of narcotics, including fentanyl, along with drug manufacturing equipment, cash, and firearms.

Fifteen individuals, including Diaz, were indicted for their roles in the operation.

At sentencing, Judge Collins agreed with prosecutors that Diaz made a significant contribution to the local fentanyl crisis. While acknowledging that Diaz’s personal addiction may have influenced his involvement, the court found the sentence appropriate given his role in distributing ounces of fentanyl daily in the community.

Due to Oregon’s sentencing laws and Diaz’s lack of prior convictions, he was not eligible for a longer sentence. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Shaw.

No further details are being released due to ongoing cases involving other defendants.