Salem Area Methamphetamine Supplier Sentenced to Federal Prison

Frank Defelice, 63, was sentenced to 8 years and four months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in 2016, following a months’ long investigation into local drug trafficking and firearms violations, Defelice was identified by local and federal law enforcement as a major supplier of methamphetamine to drug dealers in Salem and Albany. On January 27, 2017, officers stopped Defelice’s vehicle and arrested him pursuant to a state warrant. Officers found approximately 15 grams of methamphetamine under the driver’s seat of Defelice’s vehicle. Police then searched his home and recovered an additional 324 grams of methamphetamine as well as scales, drug packaging material, a drug ledger, and a loaded .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Officers also found and seized more than $37,000 in cash on Defelice’s person and in his residence.

On November 2, 2016, Defelice was charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Later, on June 21, 2017, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a five-count indictment charging Defelice with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

On January 4, 2021, Defelice pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Salem Police Department, Albany Police Department, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Paaso prosecuted the case.