A Portland man has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, according to an announcement on March 31.
Aaron Nathaniel Gabbert, 50, appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge following his arrest. Authorities allege that Gabbert was identified as a narcotics distributor, leading the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office to execute a search warrant at his residence on March 25. During the search, investigators seized 34 firearms—including rifles, shotguns, and handguns—many of which were loaded. They also found a ballistic helmet and vest along with approximately one pound of cocaine.
Most of the cocaine was reportedly located in the basement alongside multiple firearms, more than $11,000 in cash, an apparent 3-D printed firearm suppressor or silencer, and what appeared to be two destructive devices. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Unit Dangerous Drugs Team are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott M. Kerin and Kemp Strickland are prosecuting.
The Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program is involved in this investigation as part of its mission to coordinate counterdrug efforts among multiple agencies through funding from the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
This arrest is connected to the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159: Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The task force brings together various government agencies to target criminal cartels and organizations operating within or affecting the United States.
Scott Bradford has served as U.S. Attorney for Oregon after holding positions such as Chief of the White Collar Unit and Acting Chief of Counterintelligence and Export Control Section according to the official website. The office engages in community outreach across Oregon according to its official website, maintains offices in Portland, Eugene, and Medford according to its official website, operates under the Department of Justice as one among ninety-three nationwide according to its official website, employs 107 staff members according to its official website, and seeks justice while fostering trust in federal courts according to its official website.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation; Gabbert is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
