In March 2021, the Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit developed information regarding James Joshua Crabtree, age 43, and his suspected involvement in substantial local narcotics sales. On April 6, 2021, members of the Street Crimes Unit used surveillance tactics to monitor Crabtree. The surveillance team continued to monitor Crabtree as he interacted with people in the parking lot of Bobbi’s V.I.P. Room, an Adult Entertainment Club, at 1195 Main Street, Springfield, Oregon. In this period of time, officers observed activity believed to involve a narcotics transaction.
Members of the Street Crimes Unit moved in to conduct the investigation, contacting Robert Villasenor-Guerrer, age 33, via a traffic stop as he left after suspected drug activity with Crabtree. A narcotics K9 attached to the Street Crimes Unit facilitated a search of Villasenor-Guerrero’s rental vehicle out of California, yielding a seizure of more than $17,000 dollars of suspected drug money.
Members of the Street Crimes Unit then made contact with Crabtree and his present associates, Brendan Ivor Lord, age 21, of Eugene; Shawn Jeffrey Whipple, age 37, of Springfield; and Mechelle Jeanette Rocha, age 34, of Springfield. Lord’s present vehicle contained a handgun, methamphetamine, body armor and more than $25,300 of suspected narcotics-related currency. Whipple, seemingly running a security detail for the drug activity in the lot, also possessed a concealed handgun in his waistband.
Within Crabtree’s vehicle, about 271 grams of suspected heroin was seized, worth roughly $8,500 as a wholesale street value.
Shawn Whipple was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
Brendan Lord was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon, Felon Possessing Body Armor and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine in a Commercial Drug Offense.
Mechelle Rocha was arrested on an unrelated probable cause charge from a previously occurring event.
James Crabtree was charged with Unlawful Delivery of Heroin. Crabtree currently has an outstanding warrant in relation to this case. If information is known on his whereabouts, please contact the Street Crimes Unit at 541-682-5150.
Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit
The SCU has been focusing on prolific offenders, who are identified through intelligence-based policing, public tips and other sources. They have been proactively responding across the city to quality of life issues as they arise, using all available resources and partners such as community groups, neighborhood associations and city services. SCU is dedicated to targeting immediate and acute community safety system issues while working toward mission-critical enhancements that need to be addressed through a longer-term and broader community safety initiative. The unit currently consists of a lieutenant, a sergeant and eight officers.