Medford Police Investigating Incident Related to Missing Person Case

Tuesday at approximately 10 a.m., Oregon State Police detectives were assisting the Medford Police Department with follow-up related to a missing person investigation. While at a property in the 10,000 block of Williams Highway, the OSP detectives made contact with an individual who later retreated inside the residence, and shot at detectives. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Grants Pass Police Department responded, and the incident developed into a barricaded subject situation. Once the residence was secured, two individuals were found deceased inside the home. No law enforcement officers were injured. Due to the involvement of the responding agencies, Medford Police were requested to take over the investigation, which remains ongoing. Questions regarding the incident should be directed to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office. ...Read more

Hunger Action Month Brings in 12,770 pounds of Food for JoCo Food Bank

Hunger Action Month was a success as the Josephine County Food Bank announced the final tally of donations. With a goal of bringing in 10,000 pounds of food throughout September, the Food Bank posted to their Facebook page that 12,770 pounds of food were brought in, as well as $13,438. Rex on the Rogue raised $8,014, and 981 pounds of food towards the end goal. The Church of Jesus Christ in the Grants Pass Area held a drive that gathered 481 pounds of food, and raised $4,483. The Food Bank is grateful to the community and their partners for helping surpass their goal for Hunger Action Month. ...Read more

Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing Fentanyl, Admitting It Caused Person's Death

A Medford man pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and admitted that it caused the death of another person. Richard Scott Samuels, 60, has pleaded guilty to an indictment charging possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, announced the U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon. According to court documents, a death was reported on May 15th, 2025, and on August 6th, 2025. Both were determined to be deaths due to a fentanyl overdose. Law enforcement investigated these deaths and learned that Samuels was alleged to be the supplier of the fentanyl that both the deceased had used. Law enforcement arrested Samuels September 4th, 2025, and seized from his person and residence, a phone, over $5,300 cash, a handgun, and multiple drugs in approximate amounts; 283g fentanyl, 92g of heroin, 5g of meth, and 5g of cocaine. A federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment November 6th, 2025, charging Samuels with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. ...Read more