Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

The tenant who rented the basement of a home in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood, and his heroin supplier, have both been charged with gun and drug crimes after selling heroin and a firearm to a person working with law enforcement, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  At the time of the arrests last week, law enforcement seized a dozen weapons including a Mac-11 submachine gun and silencer.  JORGE CARLOS CAMPS, 34, made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle last week on charges of distributing heroin and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  ROGER LEE HIDDLESTON, 44, of Seattle, made his initial appearance in federal court today.  He is charged with distribution of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a firearm.  Both men are being held at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac pending further proceedings in the case.

According to the criminal complaint, on April 28, 2014, CAMPS allegedly sold heroin and a firearm to a person working with law enforcement.  CAMPS or his cohorts also sent pictures of various weapons via text message, along with a price list for the guns.  CAMPS has a prior felony conviction for violating a domestic violence court order and is prohibited from possessing firearms.  HIDDLESTON allegedly supplied the heroin to CAMPS and was present and participated in the sale to the person working with law enforcement.  Police stopped HIDDLESTON’s car after he left the Magnolia home.  Inside they found heroin, methamphetamine, drug distribution materials, and $2,225 in currency.  In the trunk they recovered a Sig Sauer Model P230 9mm Kurz semi-automatic pistol.  HIDDLESTON is the subject of a domestic violence protection order and therefore is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Distribution of heroin is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.  Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine is punishable by up to 40 years and has a five year mandatory minimum sentence.  Felon in possession of a firearm is punishable by up to ten years in prison.

The charges contained in the criminal complaints are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.

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