Gresham, Oregon – A 31-year-old Gresham resident, Timothy Jeffrey Monahan, now faces federal charges for his alleged involvement in selling controlled substances to minors using the encrypted messaging service, Telegram.
Federal Charges and Investigation
Monahan has been formally charged with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. These charges came after an extensive investigation led by the FBI and the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force. The seriousness of the charges reflects the alarming trend of drug trafficking that specifically targets vulnerable groups like children.
Natalie Wight, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, expressed her appreciation for the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies. “Drug trafficking has had an alarming impact on children in our communities. We thank the FBI, Clackamas County Interagency Task Force, and all our law enforcement partners for their continued focus on holding accountable individuals that target children,” she stated.
Read also: Oregon man sentenced to over a decade in federal prison for methamphetamine and firearm possession
The Use of Telegram for Illegal Activities
According to the details revealed in court documents, the investigation into Monahan began early in 2024, when law enforcement was tipped off about his activities on Telegram. Monahan reportedly used usernames such as “Thepdxyokai” and “Yokai” to promote and facilitate drug sales. He employed an adult to deliver these drugs, which included a range of substances like cocaine, LSD, ketamine, DMT, psilocybin mushrooms, and various marijuana and vaping products.
Seizure and Admissions
On June 7, 2024, a critical turn in the investigation occurred when federal search warrants were executed at Monahan’s residence and vehicle. Authorities seized cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, two loaded firearms, drug packaging materials, scales, and over $106,000 in cash. Following his arrest, Monahan admitted to using the Telegram accounts to sell drugs primarily to minors. Shockingly, he also confessed to exchanging drugs for sex acts or sexually explicit photos from his customers.
Monahan was detained pending further court proceedings after making his first appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
