Police make pot bust in Corvallis, find alleged dog-fighting ring

By KATU.com Published: Mar 18, 2010 at 1:30 PM PST Last Updated: Mar 19, 2010 at 7:30 AM PST
Police make pot bust in Corvallis, find alleged dog-fighting ring »Play Video

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Police in Corvallis served a search warrant March 17 in connection to an organized criminal marijuana distribution network, but they found a whole lot more than that.

The joint Street Crimes Unit (SCU) made up of investigators from both the Benton County Sheriff's Office and the Corvallis Police Department, along with additional Corvallis Police Officers and Benton County Sheriff's Deputies served search warrants at 1024 NW Fillmore Apt. No. 1 and 5246 SW Technology Loop, both addresses in Corvallis. About 14 pounds of packaged marijuana were seized, along with cash and distribution materials. Cody Hufeld, 32, Victoria McKenna, 29, and Charles Newquest, 28, were all arrested.

During the service of the search warrants, information was developed leading the SCU investigators to seek additional search warrants related to crimes of dog fighting and possession of dog fighting paraphernalia -- both of which are felonies.

On March 18, the joint Street Crimes Unit served a search warrant at 19365 South Fork Road in Alsea. Police found 15 dogs believed to be pit bulls, of which some have injuries consistent with dogs that have been used for dog fighting. It is unknown at this time, if any dog fighting events occurred at this location in Benton County. Also seized was additional evidence consistent with training and breeding dogs to fight.

The 15 dogs were seized by police and their health and injuries are being evaluated for treatment and rehabilitation at the Heartland Humane Society in Corvallis.

The investigation is on-going and police expect to file additional criminal charges.

Hufeld was arrested on one count each of the following charges and lodged in the Benton County Correctional Facility with $150,000 bail:

  • Unlawful Deliver of Marijuana for Consideration (a Class B felony)
  • Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana for Consideration (Class B felony)
  • Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana – Substantial Quantity (Class B felony)
  • Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana for Consideration – Substantial Quantity (Class B felony)

McKenna was arrested on one count each of the following charges and lodged in the Benton County Correctional Facility with $150,000 bail: 

  • Unlawful Deliver of Marijuana for Consideration (Class B felony)
  • Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana for Consideration (Class B felony)
  • Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana – Substantial Quantity (Class B felony)
  • Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana for Consideration – Substantial Quantity (Class B felony)

Newquist was arrested on two counts each of the following charges and lodged in the Benton County Correctional Facility with $95,000 bail:

  • Two counts each of the following charges:
  • Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana, (Class B felony)
  • Possession of Weapons by Certain Felons (felony)