On March 18, 2025, at approximately 2:20 p.m., Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) security staff were informed of suspected contraband in a special housing unit. While conducting a search, a Correctional Corporal discovered an unknown substance. The area was immediately secured and evacuated. The institution activated an Incident Command Structure (ICS), shut down the air filtration system, and contained the suspected substance. DRCI is working with Oregon State Police and National Guard Civil Service Unit to investigate and assess any potential hazards.

The Corporal received naloxone (Narcan) after direct exposure, was treated at a local hospital, and released. A Correctional Officer in the area experienced an adverse reaction and was evaluated by DRCI Health Services staff.

“The Oregon Department of Corrections takes any threat or risk to the safety and security of employees and adults in custody very seriously. Incidents like this highlight the critical need to prevent the introduction of dangerous and illegal contraband into our facilities,” stated DOC Director Michael Reese.

Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) is located four miles east of Madras in central Oregon. DRCI is a multi-custody prison that currently houses 1035 minimum-custody incarcerated adults. DRCI provides a range of correctional programs and services including education and trades programs, mental health treatment, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work crews. Construction began in October 2005 with the first minimum-security adults in custody (AICs) arriving in September 2007. DRCI is the largest minimum-custody facility in the state and Oregon’s fourteenth prison.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Gregory Leon Robinson, died the morning of March 17, 2025. Robinson was incarcerated at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) in Madras and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Robinson entered DOC custody on October 24, 2023, from Lane County with an earliest release date of July 5, 2026. Robinson was 35 years old. Next of kin has been notified.  

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) is located four miles east of Madras in central Oregon. DRCI is a multi-custody prison that currently houses 947 minimum-custody incarcerated adults. DRCI provides a range of correctional programs and services including education and trades programs, mental health treatment, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work crews. Construction began in October 2005 with the first minimum-security adults in custody (AICs) arriving in September 2007. DRCI is the largest minimum-custody facility in the state and Oregon’s fourteenth prison.

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SALEM, Oregon— The Salmonberry Trail Intergovernmental Agency (STIA) will meet 9 a.m. to noon Friday, March 28 to discuss a draft governance structure, roles and next steps.

The hybrid meeting is open to the public and attendees can join in person at Oregon Department of Forestry Office, 2600 State Street Salem, in the Tillamook Room or online via Microsoft Teams.  

STIA was established to plan the development and maintenance of the proposed Salmonberry Trail.

The proposed tail is an 86-mile corridor that follows the Port of Tillamook Bay Railway and terminates in Banks. The proposed route connects eight cities and two counties, passing by the Oregon coastline, fisheries, farmland and the Oregon Coast Range. More information is at salmonberrytrail.org.

Join Online:

Platform: Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 259 257 525 194
Passcode: K8eA9ur6
Phone conference ID: 396 278 293# (if dialing in)

To submit public comments for board members to review during the meeting, please send comments to Mike Cafferata at ata@odf.oregon.gov">mike.j.cafferata@odf.oregon.gov at least three days prior to the meeting.