Salem Gang Leader Who Sold Guns and Drugs to Undercover Agents Sentenced to 10 Years
Christopher Hermens, 29, of Beaverton, Oregon, was sentenced on November 5 to 10 years in federal prison plus three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to transferring firearms to another person. Prosecutors said Hermens led the Salem-based Varrio Catorce Norteño gang. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives began investigating the gang's Salem-area activity in July 2023, and undercover agents repeatedly bought firearms and drugs from Hermens and his associates: five firearms and an ounce of cocaine on January 23, 2025; two firearms, two pounds of marijuana and 32 grams of fentanyl on February 6; and a further 122 grams of fentanyl coordinated on February 27. A search of his residence in July 2025 recovered 19 firearms.
U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson imposed the sentence. U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford said Hermens repeatedly trafficked firearms and dangerous drugs while leveraging gang ties to expand his activities. Hermens also pleaded guilty in state court on October 30, and his state sentence will run concurrently with the federal term.
(Source: U.S. Department of Justice)
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：美国司法部大楼，位于华盛顿特区。图片来源：GSM 固定图库。 / Photo: The U.S. Department of Justice building in Washington, D.C. Source: GSM asset library.
