In a serious crackdown on the drug trafficking epidemic, a Salem man was sentenced to nine years in federal prison this Friday. Rico Anthony Russell Rigutto, aged 46, was handed down a 108-month sentence along with five years of supervised release for his criminal activities involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. The sentencing comes after a lengthy investigation that culminated in a substantial seizure of illegal substances and firearms from Rigutto's possession.
Following the sting operation on December 14, 2021, Rigutto was observed by investigators engaging in drug transactions for counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl. A traffic stop conducted shortly after the encounter led to the discovery in Rigutto’s car, which included around 3,000 identical pills and a firearm equipped with a machine gun conversion switch. Armed with a search warrant, his residence revealed a staggering amount of drugs – some 20,000 counterfeit pills, 28 pounds of methamphetamine, six pounds of heroin – and about $100,000 in cash, plus an arsenal of fifteen firearms, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Oregon.
Rigutto faced a four-count indictment by a federal grand jury, which found him guilty on January 19, 2022. He, however, pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute on April 18, 2023, which led to a sequence of events that resulted in him evading law enforcement by failing to appear for his sentencing on March 5, 2024. Subsequently, an arrest warrant was promptly issued for Rigutto.
The pursuit came to an end when the U.S. Marshals Service apprehended Rigutto on August 2, 2024. At the time of the arrest, Rigutto was once again found in possession of a firearm amidst their commitment to the community's safety. This case, marking a significant moment in Oregon's battle with drug-related crimes, was investigated by the FBI and the Salem Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott M. Kerin. Given the deadly potency of fentanyl, which is significantly stronger than heroin or morphine, law enforcement agencies are under increasing pressure to curtail the spread of such substances before they result in more casualties.
If you or someone you are concerned about is grappling with addiction, resources are available for support. Lines for Life offers a substance abuse helpline reachable at 1-800-923-4357 or via their website. There is also the option to text "RecoveryNow" to 839863 for assistance during 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time every day, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Oregon.
