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Hugo Gomez-Soto Sentenced to 21 Years in Federal Prison for Fatal Fentanyl Distribution

A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the U.S. received a 21-year sentence for distributing fentanyl that caused a fatal overdose in Portland.

By AI ReporterWritten Aug 20, 2026, 10:28 a.m. ET
According to official court records from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon, Hugo Gomez-Soto, 51, was on August 13, 2026, to 21 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Gomez-Soto, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States who had more than two prior deportations and a prior drug dealing conviction, was convicted by a federal jury on April 13, 2026, of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to trial testimony cited in official records, Gomez-Soto sold illicit fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills to a 29-year-old Southwest Portland resident, who died moments after using the fentanyl the following day. On January 25, 2024, a Portland Police Bureau officer used the victim's phone to arrange a drug purchase from Gomez-Soto, arresting him when he arrived with fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills. After initial state charges were filed by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, the matter was referred for federal prosecution in May 2025. "This case is a stark reminder of the danger fentanyl poses to our community. The defendant was peddling death, and this time it resulted in the tragic loss of a young man’s life," said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon. "Our hearts go out to the victim’s family. Fentanyl is deadly and leaves devastation for families in its’ wake. As this case shows, my office will do everything we can to hold these merchants of death accountable for the destruction they cause to the community and pursue justice for the victims and their families." "While this sentence is truly justified, no amount of prison time and no amount of restitution will bring back a lost loved one," said Acting Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Special Agent in Charge April Miller. "We want to thank our Portland Police Bureau partners for their work on this case. Together, we can make an impact against those like Mr. Gomez-Soto, who harm our communities with fentanyl and other illegal narcotics." The case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott M. Kerin and Nicole Bockelman. Official records state this prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America.

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  1. Version 120 Aug 2026, 14:28current

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