Medford Man Pleads Guilty in Fentanyl Case Linked to Two Deaths
Federal prosecutors say Richard Scott Samuels admitted fentanyl he supplied caused two overdose deaths in 2025. He faces up to 40 years in prison.
AT A GLANCE
Defendant: Richard Scott Samuels, 60, of Medford
Guilty plea: Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
Deaths: Prosecutors say Samuels admitted fentanyl he supplied caused two fatal overdoses in 2025
Drugs seized: Approximately 283 grams fentanyl, 92 grams heroin, 5 grams methamphetamine, and 5 grams cocaine
Other seizures: Handgun, phone, and $5,332 cash
Maximum sentence: 40 years in federal prison
Sentencing: Dec. 17, 2026
MEDFORD, Ore. — A Medford man has pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and admitted that fentanyl he supplied caused the overdose deaths of two people in 2025, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Richard Scott Samuels, 60, entered the guilty plea Monday in federal court in Medford.
Federal prosecutors said the investigation began after overdose deaths were reported on May 15 and Aug. 6, 2025. Both deaths were determined to have been caused by fentanyl.
Investigators later identified Samuels as the alleged supplier of the fentanyl used by both people, according to court documents cited by prosecutors.
Law enforcement arrested Samuels on Sept. 4, 2025. During the arrest and searches of Samuels and his residence, investigators seized approximately 283 grams of fentanyl, 92 grams of heroin, 5 grams of methamphetamine, and 5 grams of cocaine.
Authorities also seized a handgun, a phone, and $5,332 in cash.
A federal grand jury in Medford indicted Samuels in November 2025 on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Samuels pleaded guilty Monday to the fentanyl charge and admitted that the fentanyl he distributed caused both deaths.
Samuels faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison, a $5 million fine, and four years of supervised release.
Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 17 before a U.S. District Court judge.
As part of the plea agreement, Samuels has also agreed to forfeit criminal proceeds and property identified by the government as having been used to facilitate his crimes.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement team and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Shaw.
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