A federal jury in Portland found Hugo Gomez-Soto, a 51-year-old Honduran national unlawfully residing in Oregon, guilty on Apr. 13 of distributing fentanyl that led to the fatal overdose of a local man.
The case underscores the dangers posed by fentanyl and its impact on communities. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid much more potent than morphine or heroin, and its widespread availability has been linked to a significant rise in overdose deaths across Oregon.
According to evidence presented at trial, Gomez-Soto sold both powdered and counterfeit pill forms of fentanyl to a 29-year-old resident of Southwest Portland. The victim died from an overdose shortly after using the drug despite attempts by those present to revive him with Narcan. Authorities arrested Gomez-Soto on January 25, 2024, while he was still in possession of fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills containing the substance. A federal grand jury indicted him on June 18, 2025 for distribution resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute.
“This case highlights the devastating toll of fentanyl in our community. Fentanyl claims too many lives and leaves families heartbroken,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “We remain committed to fighting this epidemic and holding fentanyl traffickers in Oregon accountable.”
Gomez-Soto faces a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty years in prison and could receive up to life imprisonment when sentenced before a U.S. district court judge on July 10, 2026.
Bradford made the announcement following an investigation by multiple agencies including the Portland Police Bureau Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, and assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Scott Bradford has served as U.S. Attorney after holding roles such as Chief of the White Collar Unit and Acting Chief of Counterintelligence and Export Control Section according to the official website. The office employs 107 staff members across locations in Portland, Eugene, and Medford according to official information. As one among ninety-three offices nationwide under the Department of Justice according to their website, it represents civil or criminal matters involving federal interests while aiming to foster trust within Oregon’s judicial system as outlined online.
The U.S. Attorney’s office also engages with communities throughout Oregon through outreach efforts aimed at crime prevention and protection of rights according to their programs page.
