Joint Investigation Leads to Arrest of Salem Man on Federal Drug and Gun Charges
March 17, 2022
Salem, Ore. — A joint investigation involving agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and detectives with the Salem Police Department Criminal Investigations Section and Strategic Investigations Unit (SIU) has led to the arrest and indictment of a Salem man on drug and gun charges. A federal grand jury in Portland returned the indictment today, March 17, 2022, charging the defendant, Tyler Ray Harnden, 29, with multiple felony counts, including possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, distribution of fentanyl, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
The indictment came after an investigation was initiated into Harnden and his activities. The investigation led to a search warrant service at Harnden’s home in south Salem on February 16, 2022. During the search, investigators discovered a large ghost gun manufacturing operation containing dozens of homemade firearm components and firearms in various stages of completion. These homemade guns are known as ghost guns because of their lack of manufacturer serial number, making them untraceable.
Investigators also found and seized two pistols, three completed ghost guns, thousands of rounds of ammunition, 15 loaded high-capacity magazines, three drill presses and other assorted firearm manufacturing equipment, and approximately 200 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.
Following the arrest of Harnden, investigators discovered additional evidence that Harnden had allegedly been paying people to conduct illegal straw purchases of firearms on his behalf. In addition, Harnden would supply individuals suffering from addiction with counterfeit oxycodone in exchange for purchasing firearms for him. It was also later learned that Harnden was storing firearms at a relative’s house and was trying to have his relative sell the weapons for him. On March 15, 2022, investigators from the ATF and the Salem Police Department SIU served a warrant at the relative’s house where they located and seized four gun safes and 63 additional firearms belonging to Harnden.
Harnden is in state custody on a supervised release violation and will be arraigned on his federal indictment at a later date. If convicted, Harnden faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
The case highlights the continued efforts by the Salem Police Department and our federal law enforcement partners to work collaboratively to identify repeat offenders who are engaging in or facilitating violent criminal behavior our community and to hold those offenders accountable.
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