Portland gang leader sentenced to 12 years in prison for drug trafficking, weapon possession
(Update: Adding video)
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) - A known leader of Portland’s 18th Street Gang was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison Friday for his leadership role in a local drug trafficking conspiracy and for possessing a weapon while in federal prison.
Noah Herrera, 26, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison with 5 years of supervised release.
Herrera was the second-in-command leader of Portland's 18th Street Gang, known for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl in the Portland area, federal prosecutors said Monday.
During his time with the 18th Street Gang, they said, Herrera worked closely with the gang’s local leader, Gustavo Torres-Mendez, who was previously sentenced in May of 2024.
Herrera was first arrested in November of 2022 after FBI officers were granted a search warrant at his Vancouver and Portland homes. Vancouver officers found two loaded Glock pistols, ammunition, additional quantities of drugs, two scales with drug residue, a drug ledger, over $5,000 in cash and several cell phones.
At his Portland residence, FBI officers found and seized another 10 handguns, a short-barreled shotgun, extended magazines, ammunition, body armor, as well as additional drug evidence, packaging equipment and scales.
In September of 2023, while awaiting trial in FCI Sheridan, prison guards found Herrera in possession of a shiv created out of a six-inch sharpened piece of metal.
On January 10, 2025, Herrera pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. He further pleaded guilty to possessing a dangerous weapon in a federal facility.
