Madras Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Methamphetamine

PORTLAND, Ore.-A Madras, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Jefferson County, Oregon.

Wyatt Franklin Powell, 61, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison and three years' supervised release.

According to court documents, on October 28, 2023, a Warm Springs Police Department (WSPD) officer responded to a report of erratic driving. During the traffic stop, the officer smelled a strong chemical odor consistent with narcotics. A second WSPD officer with drug detection dog arrived to assist and the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Officers located methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, a BB gun, drug paraphernalia and a digital scale in Powell's vehicle.

On February 22, 2024, Powell was charged by criminal information with one-count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. He pleaded guilty on July 2, 2024.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Warm Springs Police Department. It was prosecuted by Pamela Paaso, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.