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 Portland man.
The case draws attention to the ongoing impact of fentanyl in local communities and highlights efforts by law enforcement to address opioid-related deaths. Fentanyl is considered significantly more potent than other opioids and has contributed to rising overdose fatalities throughout Oregon.
According to evidence presented at trial, Gomez-Soto sold illicit fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills to a 29-year-old resident of Southwest Portland. The victim overdosed on the drug the following day despite attempts by others on scene, including use of Narcan, to save his life. Gomez-Soto was arrested on January 25, 2024, while in possession of both fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. A federal grand jury indicted him on June 18, 2025 for distribution resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute.
Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon said: “This case highlights the devastating toll of fentanyl in our community. Fentanyl claims too many lives and leaves families heartbroken. We remain committed to fighting this epidemic and holding fentanyl traffickers in Oregon accountable.”
Gomez-Soto faces a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty years up to life imprisonment; sentencing is scheduled for July 10, 2026 before a U.S. district court judge.
The investigation involved the Portland Police Bureau Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit as well as Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott M. Kerin and Nicole Bockelman.
Bradford has previously served as Chief of the White Collar Unit and Acting Chief of Counterintelligence and Export Control Section according to the official website. The U.S. Attorney’s Office engages in community outreach across Oregon according to its official website and maintains offices in Portland, Eugene, and Medford according to its official website. It operates under the Department of Justice as one among ninety-three such offices nationwide according to its official website, employs one hundred seven staff members according to its official website, and seeks justice while fostering trust within the federal judicial system according to its official website.
This case forms part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration networks, eliminating cartels or transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protecting communities from violent crime.
