The Beat Marches On

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

A smattering of police reports:

Lack of Post-Release ‘Supervision’ for Bodhi Tree Has Its Deadly Consequences

Eureka– The Eureka Police Department named Arcata double-murder suspect Bodhi Tree as a person of interest in a recent Eureka shooting yesterday.

Eureka Police confirmed to the Times-Standard they’re looking at Mr. Tree in connection to a shooting that happened May 15th at an apartment in an alley off of “J” Street, about one block from Eureka High School.  The victim, 24-year-old Rhett August, was hospitalized after being shot in the torso.

Police say they’re not making any arrest yet, but have leads and information indicating Tree as a suspect.

EPD says they do not have the weapon that was used at the Eureka shooting.  Arcata police are still searching for the gun Tree allegedly used in the Arcata homicides.

Mr. Tree has pleaded not guilty in court for Saturday’s double homicide of Arcata High School student Christina Schwarz, 18, and Alan “Sunshine” Marcet, 28.

Humboldt County Probation Department Chief William Damiano confirmed Mr. Tree was released from state prison only a month ago and placed under post-release community supervision.

We suspect Mr. Tree failed his probation supervision agreement?  That is, if there was any supervision to begin with.

We have been seeing these probation fails all too often lately.  The problem, as we’ve seen from countless police reports read, is that a probation officer is nowhere, never, and ever to be found.  Like; nada, presto, and he’s gone.

Under the prison realignment post supervision program, the County Probation Department has received oodles of cash from the State to supervise returning felonious clients.

Supervision can and does work.  That is, if you actually do it and keep clients on an appropriate leash of rehabilitation, drug testing, and oversight.  Not so in Mr. Tree’s case, it seems.

We hope the community and courts actually look into what the level of supervision was that Mr. Bodhi had after he was released from prison last month.  Our probation fails– and the subsequent dearth of supervision– are having deadly consequences lately—as in the case of Jason Warren and numerous others the Sentinel has been watching and reporting on over the past two years.

It’s bee a disturbing pattern.  It’s all too quietly slipped under the rug, realignment conveniently blamed as the current catch-all panacea du jour, and Poof!  The problem disappears, the buck is passed, and everyone’s feet can go back on the desk for another day.

Expect this modus operandi excusal to happen again.  Repeatedly, as we’ve seen.

PROBATIONER BUSTED FOR DISPUTE AND DRUGS

Fortuna– On Wednesday, May 22nd around 9 in the morning, officers with the Fortuna Police Department responded to the 900 block of 8th Street in Fortuna for the report of property owner/tenant dispute in an apartment.

Upon arrival officers contacted Michelle Fink, 28, and Joel Guevara both of McKinleyville within the apartment.  During the contact it was learned that Guevara was currently assigned to felony probation for narcotics related offenses in Humboldt County.

During a search of Guevara’s property officers located 121.8 grams of suspected heroin, 1.2 grams methamphetamine, 11 methadone pills, drug paraphernalia and documents consistent with the trafficking of narcotics.

Joel Guevara was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Jail, he was charged with the following crimes;

• HS 11350 – Possession of a Heroin
• HS 11379 – Possession of Methamphetamine
• HS 11364 – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
•  PC 1203.2 – Violation of Probation

Michelle Fink was arrested and transported to the Fortuna Police Department, where she was released on a citation for the HS 11364 – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Another probationer running amok without supervision and drug testing?  When folks are as sharp as bowling balls they need their own lane and a wide berth of gutter to fall themselves into.

* * * * * *

GAS STATION KNOCK-OFF

Arcata– On Thursday, May 23 at about 9:28 am, APD officers were dispatched to a robbery that had just occurred at the Patriot Gas Stationat 1675 Giuntoli Road in Arcata.

 Officers were advised the suspect had fled on foot southbound on Valley West Blvd.  Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.

 The suspect was described as a dark-complected male adult about 5’10″ tall and 170 pounds.  The suspect was last seen wearing grey zip up jacket, a green beanie, and sunglasses.

 The suspect mentioned having a weapon, but no weapon was displayed or seen.  The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

What?  No Hot Pockets?  Obviously a pepperoni shy of a pizza and a few Doritos short of a bag upstairs.

Anybody with information on the suspect’s identity is asked to call the Arcata Police Department at #822-2248

* * * * * * *

CRESCENT CITY MISSING PERSON: JENNIFER EVERT

28-Year Old Bodhi Tree Taken Into Custody

–NEW UPDATES–

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Two people, a male and a female, were killed in a house on Eye Street in Arcata early this morning.

People staying at the house said that a suspect, another houseguest, shot the two with a revolver.  Police have one individual in custody, identified as Bodhi Tree, 28-years old, and transient,” according to sources.

The victims have not been identified.  The houseguests at the scene said the female was an 18-year-old high school student.

The female was pronounced dead at the scene, according  to Arcata Police Department Lt. Ryan Peterson.  The male died shortly thereafter at Mad River Community Hospital. 

The names have not yet been released.  The shootings occurred early this morning in close proximity to the Arcata Skate Park, community tennis courts, and Humboldt State University.

This is the official APD statement:

On May 18, 2013, at about 2:00 am, the Arcata Police Department received a 911 telephone call from a residence in the 2400 block of Eye Street.  The caller reported hearing multiple gunshots within the residence.  Upon investigating, the resident found two acquaintances in another room suffering from gunshot wounds.

Additional links for this fast-moving incident can be found here:

DOUBLE HOMICIDE ON EYE STREET (Update 2)  (Kevin Hoover/Arcata Eye)

Update: Police searching for Arcata double homicide suspect  (Times-Standard)

Suspected Double Homicide in Arcata This Morning (UPDATING)  (Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost)

Bodhi Tree, 28, arrested in connection with this morning’s double homicide  (Kevin Hoover/Arcata Eye)

Video of arrest of suspect Bodhi Tree (Andrew Goff)

UPDATE:  From the Arcata Police Department, May 18, 2013:

From the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office, May 20–  Victims Identified:

The Coroner’s Office identified the two people killed in the double homicide Saturday morning in Arcata.  They are:

• Alan Marcet – 27-years old, from Oak Park, Michigan
• Christina Schwarz – 18-years old from Eureka, student at Eureka High School

Autopsies pending scheduling of forensic pathologist for analysis.

UPDATE:  from the Times-Standard, May 24:

EPD Now Looking at Bodhi Tree as a ‘Person of Interest’ in separate Eureka High School Shooting Last Week

* * * * * * * *

(Our appreciation goes to Rose of the Watchpaul Blog for her updated links.  Thank you, Rose)

Man Shot As He Opens Door

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On May 15, at 10:23 pm, The Eureka Police Department received several calls reporting approximately four gun-
shots in the vicinity of the 1900 block of J Street in the City
of Eureka. 

The shots occurred across the street from Eureka High School.  The shooting was not involved with the school and the scene is considered safe, EPD said in yesterday’s release.

Officers responded and attempted to locate evidence of a shooting.  At about 10:34 pm while officers were still on scene, the Eureka Police Department was notified by the St Joseph Hospital Emergency room that they were giving care to a male with a gunshot wound. 

Eureka Police Officers were able to connect the “shots fired” call to the wounded male at the hospital.  The Eureka Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division responded to assume the investigation.

The wounded man was 24-year old Eureka native Rhett August.  August’s official medical status is unknown but he was able to give detectives a statement this morning after recovering from surgery.

August suffered a single gunshot wound to the upper abdomen.  A
friend in August’s home drove him to the hospital. 

Detectives learned that August received a knock on his door.  August went downstairs to answer the door, stepped out into the alley, and was shot at by someone.  He was hit by one of four bullets fired.

Other than his wound, evidence of several other bullet strikes was located.

“We are looking at this case as an attempted homicide,” EPD Detective Harpham told the Times-Standard.  “We were able to locate evidence that there was a shooting there, other than the bullet into the victim.”

Around 9:30 hours this Friday morning, EPD Investigators, POP Detectives, Parole Officers and Patrol Officers conducted a parole search at a home at the 2100 block of Spring Street.

Several subjects were arrested for outstanding warrants.  A 30-year old person of interest in the investigation was detained, interviewed, and eventually booked into jail for minor parole violations.

“At this point, we’re focused on only one person,” Harpham noted.  “He gave us a statement which included an alibi, and we’ll work on proving or disproving that alibi.”

A motive for the shooting has not been established, EPD said, but we would suggest looking in the filing drawer under ‘R’ for revenge.

This investigation is ongoing and EPD Detectives are still seeking information about the shooting, their release said today.

Anyone with information regarding this shooting should contact lead Detective Pete Cress or Senior Detective Ron Harpham:

Detective Pete Cress
pcress@ci.eureka.ca.gov or 707-441-4390

Sr. Detective Ron Harpham
rharpham@ci.eureka.ca.gov or 707-441-4305

Discharging Gun At Neighbor Over Noise and Leaves, She Goes to the Pokey

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On May 16, 2013 at about 8:30 pm, officers with the Fortuna Police Department responded to the 1800 block of
Kenmar Road in Fortuna for report of shots fired.

The reporting party reported that his neighbor was trying to shoot him.  Upon arrival officers determined that 66-year old Audrey Gipson had discharged her .357 Revolver at her neighbor during a dispute.

Upon further investigation, officers learned that Ms. Gipson was upset with her neighbor because of an ongoing issue with loud noise coming from the residence and leaves from vegetation in his yard that were falling into her yard.

Ms. Gipson admitted that during the dispute, she became upset over the ongoing issues and fired her revolver in the victim’s direction.

Ms. Gipson was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.  The Fortuna Police Department said they will be seeking charges for the following:

• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Negligent discharge of a firearm
• Brandishing

* * * * * * * * *

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.  Nothing makes you more tolerant of a neighbor’s noisy party than being there.  If you can’t make it, leave a nice note.

Victim or Suspect of Sexual Assault?

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Kai, the ‘hatchet-wielding hitchhiker’ who became an Internet sensation earlier this year, has been arrested for the murder of a New Jersey man.

He was captured by Philadelphia police at the Greyhound Bus station in Philadelphia earlier today, Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow said.

“I believe that everyone is a little safer with this person off the streets,” the prosecutor said.

According to Glassboro Police Chief Alex Fanfarillo, he was taken into custody in Philadelphia shortly after his department was contacted about interviewing witnesses to Kai’s visit and discovering the drifter had stayed in the town of Glassboro, New Jersey.

Police were seeking the 24-year-old over the murder of attorney Joseph Galfy Jr, who was found dead in his Clark, NJ, home on Monday, May 13.  An autopsy showed that he died as the result of blunt force trauma.

Romankow said Kai met up with 73-year-old New Jersey lawyer in New York’s Times Square on Saturday night, left, and then returned to Galfy’s home.  Witnesses reported Kai was with Galfy over the course of two or more days.  Authorities suspect Galfy was involved in some sort of sexual encounter before being beaten to death.

After the alleged murder, Kai’s movements included two trips to meet a fan in Asbury Park, a trip to Philadelphia and another to Glassboro in southern New Jersey, before he took a train bound for Philadelphia, authorities said.

Kai, whose real name is Caleb Lawrence McGillvary, became an overnight hero after a man he was getting a hitchhiking ride with proclaimed that he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and deliberately rammed his car into the back of a Pacific Gas and Electric worker.  After a woman tried to help the worker, the driver got out of the car and started squeezing the woman.

Kai– or McGillvary, if you prefer–  then intervened and smashed the man three times in the head with his hatchet.

Kai is a drifter and prefers to call himself “homefree” rather than homeless.  He achieved semi-celebrity status after giving a colorful and profanity-laced F-bomb interview to a local news crew describing his Good Samaritan act that went viral.  He also appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show and Stephen Colbert.

He was a frequent traveler to Humboldt County and  the Arcata Plaza, last visiting in March.

A Facebook post from Kai last week thanked his many fans who let him visit, stay the night or share a meal in recent months:

“Hey id like to express my gratitude to all the gnarly awesome people whove invited me in, partied hardy with me, and brought me to such cool places to meet such cool people. ive met some of the greatest people in my life in these last three months and i wouldnt trade these experiences with you for all the money in hollywood.

“i was thinkin today about that whole thing and really the best thing in the world was getting to know all of you.”

But on Tuesday a far darker note emerged.  It suggested he woke up and discovered he had been drugged and sexually assaulted.

He asked his fans:

“what would you do if you woke up with a groggy head, metallic taste in your mouth, in a strangers house… walked to the mirror and seen come dripping from the side of your face from your mouth, and started wretching, realizing that someone had drugged, raped, and blown their fuckin load in you?  What would you do?”

One man calling himself Terry says he would beat the man with a hatchet.  Kai responded: “i like your idea terry.”

Galfy was found bludgeoned to death around the same time.  Police discovered his body while performing a welfare check after he failed to show up at work.  He was found dead in his bed, clad only in underwear and socks.

Investigators say Kai cut his long hair and tried to disguise himself.  He went on the run, staying with his Facebook fans after the murder before being caught and arrested in Philadelphia.

Kai’s carefree traveling days on the road may have come to an abrupt end.

Charged with murder, Romankow said the hatchet-wielding,  homefree hitchhiker will be processed on his arrest warrant and sent back to New Jersey for arraignment and possible trial. 

His bail was set at $3 million.

Officials to Update Public Later Today

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Last night, May 15th at 10:23 pm, The Eureka Police Department received several calls reporting approximately four gunshots in the vicinity of the 1900 block of J Street
in the city of Eureka.

Officers responded and attempted to locate evidence of a shooting.  About 10 minutes later while officers were still on the scene, the Eureka Police Department was notified the St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Room was giving care to a male with a gunshot wound. 

Eureka Police Officers were able to connect the “shots fired” call to the wounded male at the hospital and the Department’s Criminal Investigation Division responded to assume the investigation.

The wounded man is a 24-year old Eureka native and still in surgery at the time of this news release.  He is expected to survive. 

This incident occurred across the street from the Eureka High School.  The shooting was not involved with the school and the scene is considered safe.  No school shutdown is expected, EPD said. 

EPD Detectives expect an updated news release later this afternoon. Anyone with information regarding this shooting should contact lead Detective Pete Cress or Senior Detective Ron Harpham:

Detective Pete Cress
pcress@ci.eureka.ca.gov or 707-441-4390

Sr. Detective Ron Harpham
rharpham@ci.eureka.ca.gov or 707-441-4305

Dachshund ’Gigi’ May Hold Clue to Killer’s Location

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Photos and Description Given

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On Monday, May 13, a McKinleyville man reported to a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputy that he had been intentionally struck by a truck.

Sheriffs are seeking the suspect.

From the Sheriff’s Office:

On 05-13-2013, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a 20-year old McKinleyville man who told the deputy he was struck intentionally by a truck.

When the deputy arrived at the McKinleyville Shell Gas Station 1606 Central Avenue in McKinleyville, the victim related the following:
    
The victim was standing in line to make a purchase inside the gas station when a male suspect behind him in line became irritated because the line wasn’t moving fast enough.

The victim attempted to explain to the suspect that the person in front of him at the register was disabled and needed extra time to gather his items and make his purchase.

The suspect got angry with the victim and began yelling obscenities at him.  The victim decided to leave and began walking out of the gas station and across Central Avenue in McKinleyville.

The suspect got into his truck and drove out of the gas station.  He accelerated at the victim, striking the victim with his truck and causing him to literally get knocked of his feet and fly through the air.  The victim landed on the shoulder of the road.

Several uninvolved citizens witnessed the assault.  The victim sustained injuries to his elbow, hip and knee.  Medical arrived, but the victim refused medical treatment.

The investigating deputy was able to obtain a video of the suspect from the gas station.  The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s help in locating and identifying
the suspect.

Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this case is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

The suspect is described as:

• White male
• Approximately 6’ tall and 220 lbs
• Late 50’s
• Balding with some hair on the side of his head.
• Driving a dark colored pickup truck, possibly a Nissan.

Traffic Stop Leads to Drugs, Warrant, and Arrest

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On May 12, at about 7:30 pm, a Eureka Police Department officer on uniformed patrol saw a black 1999 Mercedes sedan
traveling westbound on the 200 block of 14th Street in Eureka.
The officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the Mercedes
for an observed vehicle code infraction.

The driver of the Mercedes, later identified as Steven Nicholas Upton,
yielded on the 1300 block of ‘A’ Street.

Upon contacting Upton, the officer recognized him.  He recalled Mr. Upton was presently wanted for a recent felony domestic violence offense and subsequently took him into custody.

Mr. Upton is well-known by police.

During a search to his arrest, the officer located several grams of marijuana and drug use paraphernalia on Upton’s person.

Mr. Upton, unemployed, was also suspiciously found to be in possession of multiple $100 and $50 dollar bills.

Additionally, Upton’s 32-year-old male passenger was on felony probation.

Officers conducted a search of Mr. Upton’s vehicle.  Under the driver’s seat, officers found a loaded .40 caliber Walther P99 semi-automatic pistol.  A criminal history check confirmed Mr. Upton was a convicted felon– and thus prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
 
The young Mr. Upton, at the tender age of 23, was again arrested by EPD.  This time he was pinched for:

• Carrying a concealed loaded firearm in a vehicle
• Being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm
• And being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition

He was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Pokey where he was booked on the aforementioned felony offenses, in addition to the separate domestic violence charge.

We don’t know what happened to the drug charges, traffic violations, the passenger or the money.  Loitering about somewhere, we think.

Door-to-Door Searches Begin in Mattole

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

The search for wanted triple-homicide suspect Shane Miller continues.

As of last Friday, 70 law enforcement officers were in the Mattole Valley and Bureau of Land Management’s King Range Recreation area, also known as the Lost Coast, searching for Miller following their sixth day of an intensive manhunt.  The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office reported door-to door are being conducted in efforts for finding the alleged killer, according to the HCSO press release. 

The area where Miller’s vehicle was located was searched extensively over the weekend, without results.

SWAT Teams from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and the California Department of Corrections converged onto the scene last week in their search for the alleged killer Miller.

They were joined by a gaggle of law enforcement officers from the:

• Arcata Police
• Eureka Police
• Fortuna Police
• Rio Dell Police
• California Highway Patrol
• Bureau of Land Management
• Cal-Fire
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Helicopters from the California Highway Patrol and Kern County Sheriff’s Office
• …And a team of United States Marshals– along with a Specialized Communications Truck they brought along with them.

The King Range Conservation Area is 65,000 acres in size and has no paved roads.  One of the most rugged and rural areas of Northern California, it’s located in the aptly-named Emerald Triangle, a region well known for  its intensive marijuana cultivation, off-the-grid self-sufficiency, and equally independent citizens.  Normally peaceful, quiet, and extremely private to the rule, the flavor of the bucolic area has changed as dozens of law enforcement have descended en masse into the Mattole Valley and the small town of Petrolia.

Officers are re-searching areas previously searched– and have been gradually expanding to additional areas outside the original scope.  They’ve also checking numerous cabins and vehicles in the area.

There has been no sighting of Miller since his truck was located in the 30000 block of Mattole Road last week.  He has seemingly vanished without a trace into the Lost Coast wilderness.

As of Friday, Mattole area residents were no longer being requested to shelter in place.  They are, however, being advised to stay in at night and lock their doors.  They are also requested to report any break-ins or other unusual activity immediately.  Check points may continue.

The Mendocino Sheriff’s Office had a 12-member SWAT Team arriving yesterday assisting in the search for Miller.  Officers will continue to search the King Range Conservation Area by foot with the assistance of helicopters today.

Ground search efforts were expanded to include door-to-door residential searches, the HCSO said.  They emphasized enforcement actions during these door-to-door searches will be limited only to the apprehension of the triple homicide suspect, Shane Miller.  They don’t want residents to be any more on edge than necessary and hope the necessary intrusions are minimal at best.

Area schools remain open with a law enforcement presence nearby.  Fixed roadway check points (north and south) of the search area remain in place.

Twelve additional United States Marshals are expected to arrive at the search area today– complimented by the twelve Marshals currently in place.

A two-hour Community Meeting was held Sunday at the Petrolia Community Center, where Shasta County Sheriff’s Office and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office representatives answered questions and addressed concerns from the community.

A second Community Meeting is scheduled at the Honeydew School for Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 5:00 pm.

Officers continue to work together in an attempt to uncover information that might lead to the location of Miller, the HCSO said in their press release.

“We are trying to gather intelligence from people in the area and we want to make sure people are safe, advise them of what’s going on, and find out if they have seen anything suspicious,” Humboldt County Sheriff Mike Downey said.

Residents hope Miller is soon caught and that law enforcement will depart as quickly as they arrived so their lives and livelihood can return to normal.  No one knows when that will be– or if anyone will be hurt before that happens.

Additional information on the manhunt can be found in the Times-Standard article today, “Officials Update As Mattole Manhunt Enters Sixth Day“.

The HCSO would like to relay the following information:

“Anyone who witnesses any suspicious behavior or anything that appears to be out of the ordinary is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251, or 911 in an emergency.”

Shasta Triple Homicide Suspect on the Loose in Southern Humboldt

Mattole Residents Advised to ‘Shelter in Place’ by Sheriff

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On May 8 at approximately 3:30 p.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen that wanted Shasta County Homicide suspect Shane Miller’s Gold Dodge 2010 pickup truck was seen at the mouth of the Mattole River in Petrolia.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with officers from the California Highway Patrol, the Fortuna Police Department and the Rio Dell Police Department responded to the area.

While enroute to the scene, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office began receiving 911 calls that Miller was in the truck and was driving on the Mattole Road towards Honeydew.

Deputies and officers from the other agencies converged on the area.  After an extensive search they located the truck parked and vacant in the 30000 block of Mattole Road.

Deputies searched the area and are still on scene looking for Miller.

Anyone who resides in the area is requested to shelter in place.  If anyone sees Miller they are requested to call 911.

 Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case  is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

* * * * * * * * *

Previously from the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office:

Shane Franklin Miller is a suspect in the triple homicide shooting of his wife and two daughters in Shingletown, CA.  Miller is considered armed and dangerous, and possibly having access to a cache of weapons. 

Sheriff’s Officials are pursuing leads in the Northern California Region and a nationwide manhunt bulletin has been issued.

Suspect is believed to be driving a Gold 2010 Dodge Mega Cab Pickup with a camper shell.  CA License #8Z75988

VICTIMS:

Sandy Miller, wife, 34 years old 
Shelby Miller, daughter, 8 years old
Shasta Miller, daughter, 4 years old
  
SUSPECT(S):

Shane Franklin Miller: White male, Red hair, Blue eyes, 5’10”, 200 pounds
DOB 05/08/1968, 45 years of age

* * * * * * * *

More information can be found at The Record Searchlight.

More Reports From the County Sheriff’s Office

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Violent SoHum Claw ‘n Hammer Assault

Phillipsville– On May 7 around 10:00 in the morning, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls from citizens about a violent altercation taking place.

They told the dispatchers a female and her boyfriend were fighting at the Deerhorn Trailer Park located in the 2700 block of Highway 254 in Phillipsville.

While the dispatchers were on the phones with the citizens, they were told the female had left, but then returned to the residence and was now hitting the male with a claw hammer. Deputies and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene.

When the first deputy arrived at the residence he heard a male screaming inside, “She is still hitting me!”

The deputy attempted to enter the home after announcing his presence; however the front door was locked.  The deputy then kicked open the door and shoved his way into the residence.

The female suspect had shoved a couch in front of the door to block law enforcement from entering the residence.  Once inside, he witnessed the female suspect, later identified as Jessica Ann Darsch, 31-years old, beating the living daylights out of her 32-year old live-in boyfriend with her fists.

Ms. Darsch’s boyfriend was covered in blood and holding their 20-month old female child.  The deputy immediately grabbed and subdued Darsch, who fought with the deputy’s attempt to handcuff her.  After he successfully handcuffed Darsch, medical personnel entered the residence and began treating the victim.  He had wickedly been struck in the head, arms, and hands with the claw hammer–  in addition to being pummeled with fists.

The victim told the deputy that he and Darsch got into an argument and she began hitting him with her fists and an even harder-headed hammer.  He said she was holding their child while she was doing the beat down.

Ms. Darsch was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, felony child endangerment and resisting arrest.

She was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where she was booked on those charges and an outstanding domestic violence arrest warrant.  Her bail is set at $75,000.

The male victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries.  He is expected to fully recover.

The child was not injured. Child Welfare Services were notified and authorized the child to be watched by a neighbor until the father can take custody of the child.

* * * * * * * *

Missing At-Risk Juvenile

Eureka– On May 4 at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the grandmother of a missing juvenile.

The grandmother told the investigating deputy her granddaughter, Kirin Aurealas Maciel, 14-years old, from Eureka was missing.

She told the deputy her granddaughter has medical issues and was very concerned for her well-being.

Maciel left her grandmother’s residence on Meadowbrook Lane in Eureka on foot.  A friend of the grandmother told her she saw Maciel walking towards downtown Eureka about 4:30 p.m. that afternoon.

Deputies checked the area for Maciel but didn’t locate her.  The Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s help in locating her.

Kirin Aurealas Maciel is described as:

• 14 years old
• white female
• 5’3” tall and 140 lbs
• Blue eyes and strawberry-blond colored hair

She was last seen wearing a dark-colored sweatshirt and dark-colored pants.

UPDATE:  On 05-14-2013, approximately 10:00 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office spoke with Redding Police Department who informed the Sheriff’s Office Kirin Maciel had walked into their office and was located safe and in good health.  Her grandmother picked her up from Redding Police.

* * * * * * * * *

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding these cases or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office This Week–

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

HOMELAND SECURITY LEADS TO  ARCATA ECSTASY BUST

Arcata– On April 26, the Humboldt County Drug Task Force was contacted by an Agent with the Homeland Security Investigation Unit (HSIU) regarding a package that they had intercepted.

The Agent with HSIU relayed that the package was being shipped from China through the United States Postal Service to a residence located in the 4900 block of Airstream Avenue in Arcata.

The package contained 106 grams of MDMA– also known as Ecstasy.

On May 3 the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Drug Task Force and HSIU, conducted a controlled delivery of the 106 grams of MDMA to the residence. After the delivery of the MDMA, officers served a search warrant at the residence.

Officers detained 5 suspects at the residence.  During their investigation officers learned that Bradley C. Remington, age 20, who was one of the five subjects detained, was the suspect that had ordered the narcotics from China. 

Mr. Remington, to note, was on felony probation for assault with a deadly weapon and with a search and seizure probation clause.

Officers learned through their investigation that Remington’s residence was located in the 4900 block of Valley East Blvd in Arcata.  Officers then went to Remington’s residence to conduct a probation search.

Officers located 10 pounds of processed marijuana in Remington’s residence.

Officers placed Remington under arrest for possession for:

• Sales of a controlled substance (MDMA)
• Possession of marijuana for sales
• Violation of probation

Mr. Remington was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

The other four suspects at the residence were released at the scene.  This case is still under investigation by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigation Unit.

 Anyone with information on this case or related drug activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-444-8095 or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Tip line at 707-268-2539.

ALDERPOINT ROAD RAGE BEATING

Alderpoint– On May 4 at 9:20 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding some type of road rage incident– two to three miles past the Harris-Alderpoint Junction– on Alderpoint Road in Alderpoint.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies and California Highway Patrol Officers responded to the scene.  When they arrived they spoke with the victim, a 28-year old male from Alderpoint.

The victim told the deputies he was driving a U-Haul truck when he became involved in a traffic accident with a 2011 white Toyota Tacoma truck, rear ending it.

After the accident, the victim reported seeing the male passenger– later identified as Terry Robinson– in the Toyota truck and exiting the vehicle carrying a silver-colored metal pipe, four feet long and three inches in circumference, in his hand.

Mr. Robinson approached the driver’s door of the U-Haul truck as the victim was attempting to exit his truck.  Robinson began striking the victim two to three times on the right side of his arm with the metal pipe.

The victim retreated into the truck and closed the door to escape the attack.  Robinson then struck the truck several times with the pipe and shattered the driver’s side window of the truck.

The victim called 911 to report the attack.  The victim had injuries to his arm consistent with being stuck by a blunt object, and the U-Haul truck had damage including a smashed in drivers side window.  The victim denied medical attention.

Deputies spoke with Terry Michael Robinson, 31-years old from Eureka, who was still at the scene.

Robinson admitted to having a pipe, but denied striking the victim with it.  Robinson told the deputies “it was for protection” because he believed the U-Haul intentionally ran into the Toyota truck he was in.

Deputies arrested Robinson for assault with a deadly weapon and transported him to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.  He was booked and his bail was set at $50,000.

DETERMINED DIESEL DWEEBERY

McKinleyville– On May 5 at 7:00 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by an employee of the McKinleyville Community Services District (MCSD) regarding a vandalism and theft.

A deputy met with the employee at the end of Letz Lane, McKinleyville.  The employee told the deputy unknown suspect(s) cut and removed the gate to their building located at the end of Letz Lane using bolt cutters which were found at the scene.

The suspect(s) then cut the diesel tank intake fuel line and attached a garden hose to it.  Once the hose was attached, the suspects removed approximately 150 gallons of red dye diesel from the tank.

The employee believed the crime occurred between May 4th and 5th during the late night or early morning hours.

There was a large amount of fuel spilled on the ground leaking into a drainage ditch and then into a stream. MCSD immediately worked to contain the spilled diesel and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with Humboldt County Environmental Health, were notified and responded to the scene.

MCSD had placed a camera on top of the building because of a previous incident in December of 2012 when 130 gallons of diesel was stolen, and that camera was stolen by the thieves.

The total loss this time was estimated at $2,000.

MISSING JUVENILE GONE LOST

Eureka– On May 3 at approximately 10:00 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the father of a missing juvenile.

The father told the investigating deputy his daughter, Michelle Hibberts-Goodwin, 15-years old and from Eureka, was missing.

She goes by the nickname of “Elle.”  She was last seen in the area of Eureka High School around 2:30 p.m. and was supposed to take the bus home.  She failed to show up.

Michelle Hibberts-Goodwin is described as:

• White Female
• 5’2” tall, 125 lbs
• Blue eyes, blond and black hair

She was last seen wearing jeans with sparkles and a black top.

UPDATE,  MAY 7:

On 5-7-2013, approximately 12:00 noon, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Principal of Eureka High School that missing person Michelle Hibberts-Goodwin, 15-years old, showed up at school.

A deputy responded to the school and confirmed Hibberts-Goodwin was there.

She was in good health and told the deputy she voluntarily left home, but decided to return due to media attention.

* * * * * * * *

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding any of these cases or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

The Humboldt Low-Life High Style

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On May 1 at High Noon, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Community Response Unit (CRU), assisted by the Rio Dell Police served a Humboldt County Superior Court
search warrant for marijuana on five storage units on
Northwestern Avenue in Rio Dell.

The deputies had been working on this investigation for over a month after receiving complaints from citizens.  The storage units were located in the old Eel River Saw Mills Industrial Park Planer Shack which had been converted to other industrial uses.

When deputies arrived on scene they located a sophisticated marijuana growing operation in the storage units.  The units contained:

4,300 growing marijuana plants– ranging in size from three inches to five feet

76 pounds of dried processed marijuana

And 49 Peyote buttons.

They also located two aggressive Pitbull Terriers at the grow site and evidence that someone lived at the storage site.

While deputies were searching, the person who lived on site arrived on scene and was arrested for cultivation and possession for sale of marijuana, along with possession of an illicit drug.

He was identified at Geoffrey Allan Davis, 32-years
old, of Rio Dell. 

Mr. Davis was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked and released.

Davis’ girlfriend was called to the scene and took custody of the two Pitbulls.

Some of the storage units had medical marijuana cards posted in them.  However, due to the quantity of marijuana, package material, scales and other evidence indicating this was a commercial “For Sale” growing operation, all of the marijuana was removed.

Deputies are still investigating other
suspect’s involvement and anticipate
further arrest warrants being issued,
the HCSO said.

Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

A Dumb Spud in the Hand is Worth Two in the Hazzard County Bush

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On May 1 at approximately 1:30 a.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Deputy driving a marked patrol car spotted a
stolen Green 1995 Honda Civic in the parking lot of Blue Lake
Casino.

The Honda was unoccupied so the deputy concealed his patrol car and watched the Honda from a distance.  Approximately 15 minutes later the deputy saw three peeps enter the Honda and drive away.  The deputy got a good look at all three occupants, including the driver.

The deputy attempted a traffic stop on the Honda as it was leaving the parking lot.  The Honda sped up as soon as it saw the patrol car was attempting to stop it– and the Dukes of Hazzard potato-headed pursuit was on.

The Honda fled northbound on Chartin Road towards Blue Lake Blvd. in Blue Lake, then turned westbound on Glendale Drive reaching speeds of 70 mph in a 35-mph zone.

The Honda then turned onto Fieldbrook Road.  Additional deputies
joined in the pursuit.  The pursuit ended when the Honda turned onto
David Lane, Fieldbrook, which is a dead-end dirt road.  All three suspects
in the vehicle immediately ran into the heavy brush at the end of the roadway.

A homeowner hearing the sirens and commotion exited his home and caught one of the spudly suspects trying to sneak away as deputies were searching the heavily wooded area for the suspects.  The homeowner saw the suspect walking up his driveway behind where the deputies were searching.  The homeowner grabbed him by the shirt collar and held on until the deputies took custody of the ‘lil tuber.

That suspect was identified as Dana Alan Cooley, 21 years old, from McKinleyville. Deputies were unable to locate the other two dim bulbs who fled into the bush.

The Blue Lake Casino is assisting the Sheriff’s Office with the investigation by providing video surveillance of the suspects getting into the car.  The initial deputy identified Cooley as a passenger– and not the driver– of the vehicle. 

A relatively small Mr. Potato Head of sorts in this criminal caper and certainly no Lex Luthor of organized crime, Mr. Cooley was booked and released on his own recognizance from the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) on charges of probation violation and resisting arrest. 

The HCCF sign at intake reads, “You must be this tall to be booked into the Pokey” and Potato Head Cooley was a peach fuzz Tater Tot kid in comparison.  No Russet Burbank, Cooley failed meeting the minimum height requirement by several inches.

The dumb-as-a-potato driver of the Honda was described as:  White male adult with a goatee, wearing a baseball cap and was wearing a dark colored jacket or sweatshirt, approximately 5-4, 130 lbs, with brown hair.

The fingerling female– a french fry passenger– was described as:  Dark skinned, possibly Native American or Hispanic.

The Sheriff’s Office is actively working to identify and Shanghai both of the dumb spuds, coercing them gently into the deep fat fryer of justice.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this small-potatoes case, or any related criminal activity for that matter, is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office
Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

They left their plan below.

Garret Rodriguez last seen on Murder Mountain

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

Another prospective pot farmer who came to Humboldt County to grow has gone missing.

Garret Rodriguez has not been heard from for over six months, according to his father, who has also contacted all of Garret’s friends. His father claimed Rodriguez arrived last year “to work on a ranch growing medical marijuana,” according to Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant Steve Knight.

The ranch was located in the “Murder Mountain” area, according to the father.

The HCSO is asking for the public’s help in locating Rodriguez, who is described as a 29-year-old Caucasian male, 180 pounds and 5 feet, 8 inches tall with brown hair and green eyes. He was last known to be driving a 1998 Dodge Ram pickup truck with California plate number 7P63498.

Members of the public with information on this case are asked to contact the HCSO at (707) 445-7251 or their Tip Line at (707) 268-2539.

Self-Proclaimed Mongol Gang Member, Mr. Lundin Takes a Trip to the Pokey

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On April 22 at approximately 11:55 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified of possible kidnapping
victim being treated at a local hospital emergency room.

A deputy respond responded to the hospital and met with the 63 year old female victim.  She told the deputy she was home alone at approximately 8:00 p.m. of the same day at her residence in the 2500 block of Central Avenue in McKinleyville when she heard a knock at the door.

She opened the door and Eric Eugene Lundin, 63 years old from Arcata, grabbed her by the neck and pushed his way into the residence.  He began shouting at her accusing her son of stealing marijuana from him as he shoved her backwards.  He made her sit on the couch in the living room of her residence as he continued shouting at her.  He then removed two handguns from his pockets.  One handgun was a silver-colored semi-automatic handgun and the other was a black semi-automatic handgun.

Lundin set the guns on the coffee table in front of her and then removed a pill bottle from his pocket and ordered her to take three pills which he gave her.  He told her the pills were methadone and it was the easiest way to make her overdose.

Lundin repeatedly told her she was going to die, while also stating several times he was a member of the Mongols motorcycle gang and they do not leave witnesses.  After the victim took some pills he placed the black semi-auto handgun to her temple and told her to call her adult son and have him come home.  He then stuck her television with the handgun breaking the screen and grabbed her cell phone and threw it across the room, destroying it.

Lundin ordered her into his pick up truck parked in front of her residence.  He drove the victim around from McKinleyville to Arcata while telling the victim all the places he could hide her body.  Lundin eventually dropped the victim back off in front of her home and told her he only wanted to scare her.

A Be-On-the Lookout (BOLO) was placed for Lundin to area law enforcement agencies.  Arcata Police located Lundin at his residence in Arcata in the 1100 block of G Street in Arcata.

Mr. Lundin was arrested at the residence for:

• Kidnapping
• Assault
• Brandishing of a firearm
• Burglary
• Being a convicted felon in possession of firearms
• Administering drugs to commit a felony
• Vandalism
• Transportation and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Deputies also recovered two loaded semi-automatic handguns.

Lundin was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked and his bail set at $100,000

The victim was admitted to the hospital.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Tip Line 707-268-2539, the HCSO said.

* * * * * * * *

Wait ’til the Mongols hear about this one.  We suspect they won’t take kindly to some dimwitted knucklehead pulling these sorts of stunts while using their name in vain.  Keeping up appearances, they get a little touchy over this kind of thing.

How Many Chances Do Probationers Get When They’re Not Being Supervised?

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On April 18 Eureka Police Department officers and detectives responded to a motel at the 4000 block of
Broadway to investigate a stolen car in the parking lot.

During their investigation, Robert Tyson (age 32), Casey Hunter (age 31) and Daniel Silva (age 28) were contacted inside one of the rooms and arrested for unrelated charges.  The motel room, registered to Tyson and Hunter, was searched as a result of Tyson’s probation terms.

The search yielded a stolen laptop computer, 191.5 grams of Marijuana, 25.7 grams of Hashish, 32.4 grams of Heroin, 63 grams of Methamphetamine, and various prescription pills.  Also collected were numerous laptop computers and other electronic items, suspected of being stolen property.

Mr. Tyson was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale, Possession of Concentrated Cannabis for Sales, Possession of Heroin and Prescription Medication for Sales, Possession of Stolen Property, and an outstanding warrant.

Ms. Hunter was arrested for Possession of Stolen Property and an outstanding warrant.

Mr. Silva was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine and an outstanding warrant.

All three subjects were transported and booked into the Humboldt County Jail.

The stolen vehicle, which originated the investigation was recovered and towed to a local tow yard.

But this isn’t Mr. Tyson and Ms. Hunter’s first time around the criminal drug block.  They were popped only six months ago– under similar circumstances– at the Royal Inn in Eureka.  Here’s what happened back then:

On 11-26-2012 at about 1000 hours the Humboldt County Drug Task Force conducted a probation search at a motel room located at the Royal Inn on 5th Street, Eureka.  Agents contacted three subjects in the motel room, who they identified as:

• Casey Marie Hunter, age 31
• Robert Eric Tyson, age 31
• And Steven Michael Ridley, age 27.

When Agents searched the motel room they located about 50 Vicodin pills that Agents learned were being sold at $2.00 dollars a pill, 3 pounds of marijuana, ½ of an ounce of methamphetamine, a methamphetamine smoking pipe and a loaded .22 caliber revolver.

Agents arrested Robert Tyson for being armed in commission of a felony, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of Vicodin for sales, possession of marijuana for sales and for violation of probation.  Mr. Tyson was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and his bail was set at $ 50,000 dollars.

Agents arrested Steven Ridley for an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest for a narcotic violation, for possession of methamphetamine, for violation of probation and for possession of a methamphetamine smoking pipe.  Mr. Ridley was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and is currently being held without bail, because of his outstanding arrest warrant.

Agents arrested Casey Hunter for possession of a methamphetamine smoking pipe.  Ms. Hunter was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where she was booked and released on her promise to appear in court.

This case is still under investigation by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force.

* * * * * * *

Once again we ask the question:  how many chances does one get flaunting their probation?  Where were the Probation Officers providing court-ordered supervision for their drug-addled felons?

It’s both a shame and a crime when the Eureka Police Department and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office have to come along and clean up these messes when the Probation Department is either unwilling or unable to do so.  The Sentinel has reported this happening repeatedly and we’ve given example after example showing this to be the case, yet the non-supervision problem continues unabated.

Perhaps someone needs to wake up from their desk and start doing the job they’re supposed to do.  It’s no wonder EPD leaves out the Probation Department while giving the following advice for citizens:

Anyone with information concerning suspected drug activity, or other nuisances occurring in the City of Eureka is encouraged to call EPD’s Problem Oriented Policing Unit at (707) 441-4373.

Three dead, 130 injured in blast earlier today at finish line

By Aaron Dykes and Melissa Melton
TruthStream Media

(Editor’s note: According to Common Dreams, a pair of explosions rocked an area near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, leaving at least three people, including one child, dead and more than 130 injured, many critically. Six of the seven Humboldt County residents attending the Boston Marathon are confirmed safe as of press time.)

Just hours after two bombs exploded at the finish line of the Boston marathon earlier today, telltale signs are already emerging that this incident, like so many others, fits a pattern we’ve seen many times before in suspected terrorist plots in America’s history.

At the time of writing this, reports vary on the number dead and injured, but one thing is certain — two explosions went off near the 26.2-mile marathon finish line, putting the nation under yet another post-9/11 security lockdown. Cellphone service was shutdown in Boston, and SB Nation cited AP that law enforcement shutdown cell service to Boston to “prevent any possible remote detonations in the future”:

The FAA quickly ordered a no-fly zone over the city and, the 1,000 members of New York City Police Department’s counter-terrorism unit were being mobilized to step up security there, including deployment of “critical response vehicles.” Los Angeles reportedly increased checkpoints and released bomb-sniffing dogs in public transportation centers.

As details trickle in and others get changed completely, the facts are still largely being sorted out.

Here’s what do we know.

University of Mobile coach Ali Stevenson told local NBC affiliate WPMI-TV 15 that not only did he feel something was ‘odd’ about the bomb-sniffing dogs posted at both the marathon’s start and finish, but just after he crossed the finish line, police were announcing a drill:

“They kept making announcements on the loud speaker that it was just a drill and there was nothing to worry about,” Coach Ali Stevenson told Local 15. “It seemed like there was some sort of threat, but they kept telling us it was just a drill.”

In a related report from the same affiliate, Stevenson told the station he also noticed law enforcement spotters on the rooftops at the start of the race.

Adding to this compelling report is the fact that Boston police admittedly detonated a “controlled explosion” at the 600 block of Boylston Street near Copley Square near the location of the first two explosions, as confirmed by police scanner transmissions, raising questions about the origins of the other explosions. The Boston Globe tweeted, “Officials: There will be a controlled explosion opposite the library within one minute as part of bomb squad activities.”

Flash reports now say the White House is officially calling the Boston bombing today “an act of terror”.

The 26th mile of the marathon was dedicated to Newtown victims, and their families were VIP seated near the finish line.

MSNBC first reported, “26th mile of Marathon was dedicated to Newtown victims,” but just 13 minutes ago at the time of writing, the establishment-friendly outlet has changed the page’s headline to, “‘You can’t go anywhere’: Newtown runner’s wife speaks“.

The New York Post reports that Newtown victim families were stationed right near the blast zone:

Relatives of the victims of December’s school massacre in Newtown, Conn. were among those attending the race finish at a VIP area. It was not known of any of the relatives were among the casualties.

Since the mass shooting tragedy at Sandy Hook, our President, politicians and their puppet media have exploited the Newtown tragedy for every last ounce of momentum they could, pushing a greater nationwide gun control and disarmament agenda. At 6:10 EST tonight, President Obama addressed the nation, affirming the perpetrators would “feel the full weight of justice” and that the FBI would be leading the investigation into the Boston bombing.

It’s only time before the Newtown shooting is made synonymous with this bombing tragedy to further condition the public that A) we must give up our weapons because not only are they dangerous, but B) only the government can truly keep us safe.

Authorities are reporting a “Saudi Arabian National” is the leading suspect.

Multiple media outlets including the New York Post are reporting that a 20-year old Saudi man with shrapnel wounds is being detained as the lead suspect in the marathon bombing at a Boston-area hospital.

The idea that drills are used to cover for involvement by the intelligence community is not just speculation, it is admitted fact in countless cases where FBI informants set-up and controlled al Qaeda suspects or other would be terrorists. In 2011, RT profiled an FBI report admitting that nearly every attempted terrorist attack since 9/11 was actually goaded on by uncover informant who had infiltrated suspect groups, typically encouraging individuals to take action on concocted plots.

“The report reveals that the Washington DC Metro bombing plot, the New York City subway plot, the attempt to blow up Chicago’s Sears Tower and dozens more were all orchestrated by FBI agents. In fact, reads the report, only three of the more well-known terror plots of the last decade weren’t orchestrated by FBI-involved agents.”

In most of these high profile cases, the FBI “foils” the plot that they helped create, or the attacker is given a ‘dud’ explosive device. Then the media plays up the event as another near miss in the critical war on terror, while quietly admitting that no one was ever in any real danger, essentially acknowledging that the plot was theater for public consumption.

However, such an FBI-led plot admittedly went live and killed several people, while causing extensive damage during the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The FBI’s Egyptian informant Emad Salem became suspicious of the FBI’s intentions and recorded conversations exposing their involvement in ring-leading the deadly attack. While a harmless powder was supposed to be given to the suspects, real explosives were instead issued just days before the attack took place.

While the threat of terrorism is constantly emphasized, the fact that U.S. intelligence agencies have enabled and encouraged such plots is rarely mentioned on air and almost never focused on in media coverage.

In the case of the Boston Marathon bombing, CNN was already propagating within hours the idea that ‘right-wing extremists‘ were behind the bombing.

Like so many historical examples, the establishment is patently using the tragedy to further their own ends, and the creepy tie in to victims’ families of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting only further likens the chances that Americans rights will be curtailed by the national security response to disaster after disaster.

That is, if Ms. Belisle Doesn’t Get to it First

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

On April 4, 2013 at about 5:30 pm, a Sergeant with the Fortuna Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 700 block of South Fortuna Boulevard.

While speaking with the female driver, suspected stolen property was observed in the passenger seat of the vehicle.  Upon questioning, the female admitted that she had stolen checks in her purse, Fortuna Police said in their release.

Sandra Belisle, age 42 of Fortuna, was placed in custody and a search was conducted on her vehicle.   As a result, officers located numerous pieces of mail belonging to victims throughout the Eel River Valley as well as additional stolen property.

Belisle was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on the following charges:

- Possession of Stolen Property
- Possession of Stolen Mail
- Displaying False Registration Tabs

A search warrant was then served at Belisle’s residence located in the 3400 block of School Street in Fortuna.

As a result of this search, officers located additional stolen property including several credit cards and property stolen during two residential burglaries.  Officers also determined that Belisle had and was using equipment to alter checks after removing them from various mailboxes.

Currently, officers have identified more than two dozen victims and recovered stolen property valued at several thousand dollars.

Belisle also has several prior theft cases currently pending in Humboldt County Superior Court.  Ms. Belisle was released from the Humboldt County Correctional Facility after posting bail.

* * * * * * * * *

Check your mail.  And the neighbors with suspiciously large smiles.

(Posted by Skippy Massey– soon to be AWOL from the Sentinel desk for some much needed R and R)

–And Jonas Semore, Too.  Again.

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

We hope someone gets the memo.

On April 3rd, just around lunch time, a Eureka Police
Department officer on uniformed patrol observed a suspicious vehicle up to no good stopped in an alley between O and P streets, and north of the 1400 block of 6th Street, in Eureka.

The officer saw a female suddenly exit the 4-door sedan and quickly walk into the fenced backyard of a nearby known drug house.  It appeared the female was attempting to avoid contact with the officer, EPD said in their release.

The officer approached the vehicle and contacted the driver whom he immediately recognized as 40-year-old Jonas Randall Semore of Eureka.  The officer knew Semore to be on felony searchable probation for possession of a controlled substance for sale and also a documented local gang member.

Mr. Campbell

The officer then recognized Semore’s rear passenger as Scott Ryan Campbell, age 36, of Eureka. Campbell was also on searchable probation and a documented local gang member going by the moniker of ‘Droopy’.

Officers detained both subjects.  A records check on Campbell revealed a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest for possession of drug use paraphernalia.  During a subsequent search of Campbell pursuant to his probation terms, officers located a large baggy of crystal methamphetamine (approximately 17 ½ grams or over ½ ounce).  Droopy went down, getting busted again.

Semore’s driver’s license was confirmed suspended for DUI. Officers also found Semore to be in possession of $4,590 cash although he is unemployed.  The cash was seized as suspected drug sales proceeds due to the circumstances and additional evidence uncovered at the scene.

Mr. Semore

Mr. Campbell was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on his warrant and for fresh charges of possession and transportation of a controlled substance for sale and probation violation.

Mr. Semore was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was busted for driving with a suspended license and probation violation.  Again.

Mr. Semore got popped only a month ago with 18 pounds of weed.  Even though he was on felony probation at the time and in violation of his terms, Semore was let out of jail in short order.

Officers found items in the suspects’ car identifying the female passenger who walked away as Dawn Shonea McElroy, age 23, of Eureka.  Records checked revealed McElroy has a felony warrant for her arrest, but alas, like a little bird that’s flown, she got away.

She remains outstanding as of the time of this report, EPD noted.  Well, there’s always tomorrow.

We beg the question in regards to Mr. Campbell and Mr. Semore:  Both are on probation, both are well-known to law enforcement, and both are gangbanging felons with lengthy histories.

Both were recently busted and then released by a too-permissive District Attorney and judge.  Both supposedly were under supervision by their local probation officers with drug and search clauses.

Our question?  If they’re going to be released into the wild blue yonder, why aren’t they being supervised appropriately under their court-ordered conditions at the very least?

In what’s becoming the new normal lately, the Sentinel has uncovered more than two dozen examples of this very same AWOL behavior happening repeatedly– again and again– in the past year.

We hope someone at the office wakes up and gets the memo to do their job.

The good news?  They didn’t kill anyone like Jason Warren allegedly did when he, too,  was prematurely sprung without supervision.

* * * * * * *

(Posted by Skippy Massey)

Cast Adrift Without a Clue– or a Moral Compass

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

“There are crimes of passion and crimes of logic.  The boundary between them is not clearly defined.”
~Albert Camus

New Lead in Golf Course Sexual Assault:  EPD Seeks Owner of this Bike

EUREKA– On March 30, 2013, at about 6:00 p.m. the Eureka Police Department received the report of a sexual assault that had just occurred near the Eureka Municipal Golf Course on Fairway Drive.

The victim reported that she was walking on Fairway Drive when she heard a male in the nearby bushes asking for help.  She saw that the male was bent down on one knee and appeared to be injured.

When she approached the male, he used force to push her to the ground and sexually assaulted her. 

The suspect is described as a white male adult.  He is about 5’8’’ tall with a medium build and brown eyes.

He was wearing a gray ski mask so his exact age is unknown but he appeared to be in his 30’s.  He may have a reddish-brown thin mustache.

He wore a black hooded sweatshirt, dark blue exercise pants, and flesh-colored gloves.

The suspect was last seen on foot on Fairway Drive.  Anyone with information concerning this assault is urged to call Detective Cress at the Eureka Police Department at 441-4044. Refer to case number 3C13-2697.

The Eureka Police Department has a new lead in the case.  On the same evening, about two hours later, a citizen reported a bicycle abandoned on their property, several blocks north of the crime location, on F Street. The description of the subject who left the bike was similar to the description of the rape suspect given by the victim.

Two pictures of the bike are here.  Clicking on the pictures will enlarge them.  Anyone who recognizes this bike is asked to contact either lead Detective Pete Cress or Senior Detective Ron Harpham.  

Detective Cress:  pcress@ci.eureka.ca.gov  or 441-4390  

Detective Ronald B Harpham:

604 C Street, Eureka, Ca 95501  #707-441-4305   rharpham@ci.eureka.ca.gov

* * * * *

Abandoned Puppies Left to Die, Rescued

FORTUNA– On 04/01/13 at approximately 1:30 pm, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control was dispatched to the area of Palmer Creek Road and Valley Road in Fortuna for a report of 5 abandoned puppies.

Upon arrival, Animal Control officers found 6 puppies in a grey Rubbermaid style tote.  The puppies and the tote were covered in feces and urine and were sitting in the direct sun.  There were no air holes in the tote, and the small holes in the handles had been covered with duct tape.  The citizen who discovered the puppies advised that there was a lid with the tote and it was found lying on the ground next to it.

The puppies appear to be Border Collie mix, approximately 7 weeks old.  Dehydrated and malnourished, they were transported to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Animal Shelter.

It is unclear exactly how long the puppies had been at that location, the HCSO said.  A citizen who was in the shelter when the puppies were brought in stated that she thought she had seen the tote sitting there the previous day as she was traveling on U.S. Highway 101.

The abandonment of an animal is a crime.  Anyone with information about these puppies is asked to contact Animal Control Officer Nims at (707) 445-7251or call the Sheriff’s crime tip line at (707)268-2539.

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‘Explosive’ Fire in Eureka Has Burn Victim in Critical Condition

EUREKA– A burn victim was been flown to the U.C. Davis Medical Center after an explosion and fire in Eureka.

It happened around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, at 3555 Pine Street in Eureka.  Humboldt Bay Fire officials said they got to the scene and discovered the 40-year-old male victim on the sidewalk with second and third degree burns on his arms.

The explosion and fire started in an attached garage behind the victim’s home. Firefighters said there was dark gray smoke coming from inside. The victim said there were fireworks in the garage, but investigators also found butane which started to explode as they were extinguishing the flames and forcing them to attack the blaze from the outside.
 
There was no one else inside the home.  The victim was taken to St. Joseph Hospital and later flown to U.C. Davis.

Humboldt Bay Fire officials said due to ‘suspicious circumstances’ that were present they will be conducting a further investigation.  The garage was destroyed and $50,000 in extensive damages resulted.

UPDATE April 3:  Fire investigators said today the blaze was caused by the illegal manufacturing of concentrated cannabis—or, butane-extracted hash.

* * * * *

Traffic Stop Yields Meth, Stolen Property, and a Whole Lot More

EUREKA– On 4/01/13, at about 11:12 am, a uniformed Eureka Police Department officer on patrol observed a white 1987 Oldsmobile sedan traveling southbound on the 1400 block of Broadway in Eureka.  The officer noticed the Oldsmobile’s windshield was shattered and he decided to stop the vehicle for the violation.

The officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle on the 1500 block of Broadway.  When he asked the occupants for identification, the front passenger, Richard Burse Firebaugh (AKA: Richard Green), stated he thought he had a bench warrant because he had missed a court date.  A local wants/warrants check on Firebaugh confirmed he had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest.

The officer placed Firebaugh under arrest for his warrant.  During a subsequent search of Firebaugh’s person and belongings, the officer located 8 individual small baggies containing crystal methamphetamine (approximately 4.4 grams total gross weight), two digital gram scales, 100 small clear plastic baggies (drug sales packaging materials), drug use paraphernalia (two meth pipes), and a suspicious set of keys.  The keys had been filed down making their ridges smooth.  The officer suspected these were “shave keys” commonly used for committing auto burglaries or stealing cars.

Inside Firebaugh’s leather jacket, which had been resting on the floorboard at his feet, the officer found a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 revolver. The revolver’s registered owner was subsequently contacted and asked if he knew the present whereabouts of his handgun. The owner, who resides in McKinleyville, confirmed he had recently reported it as stolen to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition to his warrant, Firebaugh (age 28 of Fortuna) was arrested on multiple fresh charges and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked for:

• Possession of a controlled substance for sale
• Possession of stolen property
• Possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm
• Possession of a firearm with intent to commit a felony
• Possession of a concealed firearm by a passenger in a vehicle
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of burglary tools

* * * * * *  

More on the Hit-and-Run Bang ‘Em Up Crash and Property Damage on Buhne and I Streets

EUREKA—For those who remember, on 3-10-13 at about 5:09 in the morning, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Buhne and “I” streets on the report of a hit and run that just occurred.  Upon arrival Officers located a tremendous amount of property damage including: signal light pole down in the road, damaged fencing to a residence, damage to the chain link fence at Carson Park, and a large tree nearly pushed over, and miscellaneous vehicle debris belonging to a Dodge truck.

The registered owner of the truck, Chelsea Eisenberg was contacted at Wabash and “E” streets where the Dodge finally stopped running.  She explained to investigating Officers that she was driving the Dodge when the collision occurred and was attempting to follow a car that “came out of nowhere” that caused her to crash.  After speaking with her for a while Officers suspected that she was providing false information due to numerous inconsistencies with her statement.

Eisenberg then told Officers that her fiancé, Julio Gonzalez, was driving the truck when he crashed at Buhne and “I” streets.  She said that Gonzalez was at their home a few blocks away.  Officers were unsuccessful in contacting Gonzalez that night and he was determined to have a suspended driver’s license.

Officers spoke with Gonzalez a couple days later. He told the officers that he was driving home when he fell asleep and crashed the truck.  He said he left the scene because he has a suspended driver’s license.

The investigating officer will submit a report to the District Attorney’s Office requesting the following charges:

Mr. Gonzalez to be charged with Hit and Run, Driving while Suspended, and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.

Ms. Eisenberg to be charged with Delaying / Obstructing Peace Officer, Providing False Information to a Peace Officer, and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.

* * * * *

Lost in Shelter Cove

SHELTER COVE– On 04-1-2013, at 2:00 am, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) of a lost motorist in the Paradise Ridge Area, Shelter Cove.

The lost motorist was able to call 911 and ask for assistance.

CHP dispatched officers out to the area of the motorist using the cell phone GPS coordinates.  Officers attempted to locate the motorist for over two hours driving on roads in the area near the coordinates provided, sounding their sirens and horns.

When CHP efforts failed to locate the motorist the Sheriff’s Office was notified at 4:00 am.

A search and rescue was initiated.  Search and Rescue deputies responded to the area and located the motorists at 11:00 am in the 5000 block of Paradise Ridge road behind a locked gate.

The lost motorist had driven around the gate and became stuck in the roadway.  The motorists were in a sport utility vehicle and identified as Marlene Elias, 27-years-old from Sausalito, and Michael Breen, 25-years-old from Hayward, California.

Both were in good health. HCSO deputies gave them a ride to Garberville to arrange for a tow truck to retrieve their vehicle.

* * * * *

More Traffic Accidents, as Reported by the Friendly California Highway Patrol

ORICK– On March 31, 2013, at approximately 11:37 am, Mr. Johnson was driving a Toyota pickup southbound on US 101, north of Davidson Rd. at an unsafe speed, while negotiating a curve in the roadway.   Mr. Hall was traveling northbound in a Ford pickup at a speed of 30 MPH.   Due to the unsafe speed Mr. Johnson was traveling, he failed to maintain his vehicle in the southbound lane.

Mr. Johnson’s vehicle crossed over the solid double yellow lines and into the northbound lane directly in front of Mr. Hall’s Ford pickup.  Mr. Hall was unable to stop in time avoid a collision.  The front of the Mr. Hall’s Ford pickup struck the right side of Mr. Johnson’s Toyota pickup.   Both vehicles came to rest in the northbound lane.   Traffic was restricted to one way travel for approximately one hour until the northbound lane could be cleared.  
 
Emergency personnel from the Orick Volunteer Fire Department, Cal Fire, Mad River Ambulance, California State and Federal Parks Service and California Highway Patrol responded to the scene.  Ms. Hall was transported to Mad River Community Hospital for her injuries.  
 
This collision is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.  Impairment was not believed to be a factor.

CARLOTTA– On 03/31/2013, at approximately 1:20 pm, Mr. Oclair was driving a Toyota Tacoma pickup eastbound on SR 36, east of Grizzly Creek Campground at an unknown speed.  Mr. Oclair claimed he fell asleep while driving and allowed his vehicle to travel off the south side of the road.

Mr. Oclair’s vehicle became airborne when it traveled off a steep embankment and impacted a large redwood tree.  His vehicle then fell to the ground and landed on its left side.

Mr. Oclair’s passenger, Joshua Burge, exited the vehicle and climbed up the embankment and onto the highway, where he summoned a passing motorist for help.  
 
Emergency personnel from the Carlotta Volunteer Fire Department, Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department, City Ambulance and California Highway Patrol responded to the scene.  Mr. Oclair and his passenger, Joshua Burge were transported to Redwood Memorial Hospital for their injuries.  
 
This collision is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.  Impairment was not a factor.

* * * * * *

Rubber Bullets (or were they Bean Bags?) and Tree-Sit Removals

WILLITS– You just have to see the video to believe it.

More of the details of what happened is carried in the Willits News.

* * * * * *

Another day, another crime.  Or two.  Buckle up, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.

McKinleyville Weed Grow and Hash Lab Catches Fire

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

On Thursday, March 28 at approximately 1:40 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call re-
garding a house fire at Landis Court in McKinleyville.  The
initial calls reported there was possibly a person trapped in
the home.

Sheriff’s deputies, Arcata Fire District personnel and an ambulance responded to the scene.  When emergency personnel arrived a few minutes later the 30-year-old unidentified male victim was outside the residence with serious burn injuries.  The victim was transported to a local hospital and then transferred to an out of the area hospital for treatment.

When the fire department began fighting the fire they discovered an indoor marijuana grow in the residence.  Deputies stood by until the Arcata Fire District suppressed the fire.  The Sheriff’s Office Community Response Unit (CRU) and Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) were notified and responded to the scene.

A Humboldt County Superior Court search warrant was obtained for the residence.

After the fire was out and the residence was safe to enter, deputies entered the residence.  They located and seized evidence indicating there was a butane hashish lab in the home, along with approximately 17 pounds of marijuana leaves, 188 growing marijuana plants approximately two feet tall and 176 marijuana plants (clones) approximately 3” tall.

The cause and origin of the fire is still under investigation by the Arcata Fire District.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251, the Arcata Fire District at 825-2000, or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

165 Marijuana Plants Taken Out After Tip and Month-Long Investigation

(PUPPY PICTURES)

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Today at approximately 8:30 am, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Community Response Unit (CRU) assisted by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) served a Humboldt County Superior Court Search Warrant at residence in the 2500 block of Knox Cove Road in McKinleyville.

The search warrant was obtained after a month-long investigation initiated by a crime tip on the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line.

When deputies served the search warrant they located approximately three pounds of marijuana bud packaged for sale and 165
growing marijuana plants ranging from 3-feet to 4-feet in height being grown in the residence.  The deputies also located packaging material and a scale, along with evidence that the marijuana was being grown for sale.

The Humboldt County Building Department was notified and responded to the scene. They determined the electricity to the marijuana grow was a fire hazard and PG&E was notified to respond.

Deputies arrested Wilbur Clark Springer IV, 43-years-old, for cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.

Lisa Springer, 36-years-old, was issued a notice to appear for cultivation and possession for sale of marijuana.  This was to allow Lisa to care for their children.

Mr. Wilbur Springer IV was transported and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where his bail was set at $25,000.

* * * * * * * *

Puppy pictures?  The English Springer Spaniel pups are adorably innocent.

We found the Springer puppies more interesting than this generic press release.  While they have nothing whatsoever to do with Mr. Springer IV, they’re enjoyable to look at and a whole lot more cute than seeing another ugly-mug mugshot today.

(Posted by Skippy Massey)

Mildbrandts’ Extensive Marijuana Operation Allegedly Stretched from Eureka to Fortuna to Dinsmore (PICS)

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

Lt. Steve Knight  of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office fills us in:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Community Response Unit (CRU) obtained a Humboldt County Superior Court Search warrant for two residences after an approximate month long investigation which began with a crime tip.

The warrant authorized the deputies to search a residence in the 2100 block of Law Blvd in Eureka and a residence in the 1900 block of Scenic Drive in Fortuna. Deputies assisted by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) served the warrant at Law Blvd first, at approximately 7:30 am on March 25th. 

When deputies arrived they located Matthew Mildbrandt, 19-years-old, and a 17-year-old juvenile female.  When deputies searched the residence they located:

• 10 one-pound packages of marijuana bud,
• An assault weapon,
• 65 growing marijuana plants,
• Approximately 10 pounds of processed marijuana,
• A US Postal Box containing approximately two pounds of sealed marijuana ready to be shipped via the US Postal Service,
• Paperwork indicating sales of marijuana,
• Approximately $6,000 in US Currency

…and evidence of Matthew Mildbrandt was having unlawful sexual relations with a minor. (We have no idea what that ’evidence’ was)

Mr. Matthew Mildbrandt was arrested for a bunch of charges:  cultivation and possession for sale of marijuana; conspiracy to commit a felony; being armed in commission of a felony; and unlawful sexual relations with a minor.

He was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where his bail was set at $50,000.

The juvenile female was released to her mother who responded to the residence
and took custody of her.

Deputies then served the search warrant at the Scenic Drive residence.  When they arrived at the residence no one was home.  The residence belonged to Mark Mildbrandt, 56-years-old, and his wife Denise Mildbrandt, 54-years-old, the parents of Matthew Mildbrandt.

They searched the residence and located two assault style weapons and 19 other rifles and handguns.  They also located paperwork indicating sales of marijuana, and over 400 ounces of silver along with other precious metals, and approximately 13,000 in cash.

While at the home Mark showed up in his employer’s truck.  Searching the truck Mark arrived in, deputies found approximately 10 pounds of harvested marijuana in the truck.  Mark Mildbrandt was arrested for cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale, conspiracy, and being armed in commission of a felony.

He was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and his bail was set at $50,000.

Denise Mildbrandt showed up at the residence after Mark.  She, too, was also arrested for cultivation of marijuana, possession for sale of marijuana, conspiracy, and armed in commission of a felony.  Her bail was also set at $50,000.

Deputies were able to obtain information during their search which indicated Mark and Denise Mildbrandt had property in the 2500 block of Burr Valley Road in Dinsmore, along with Mark David Mildbrandt.  Deputies obtained a search warrant for that property and drove to Burr Valley Road to serve the warrant at 4:00 pm on March 25.

When the deputies drove up Burr Valley Road, they came across four fir trees that had been recently fallen across the road.  The fir trees were approximately two feet in diameter and completely blocked the road.  This not only blocked the deputies from accessing the search warrant location to be searched, but it also blocked other non-involved residents from accessing or leaving their homes.

Deputies were able to clear the road enough to pass after thirty minutes of using chainsaws.

Once at the search warrant site, deputies located a cabin that had
been converted for the cultivation of marijuana.

They found a small living space, along with a drying and manicuring room.  Deputies located a diesel powered greenhouse on the property that had leaked several gallons of diesel and oil onto the ground.  In the greenhouse structure, deputies approximately 300 growing marijuana plants approximately one-foot high.

That wasn’t all.  Deputies also located approximately 364 pounds
of dried marijuana and three firearms, including a shotgun.  No one was at the structure when they arrived.

The Humboldt County Code Enforcement Unit and Environmental Health are being notified of the environmental damage that the deputies witnessed at the scene.

This is an ongoing investigations with more arrests anticipated, the HCSO said.

* * * * * * *

The family that plays together stays together, and the family that gets needy and greedy just gets busted. 

There is no such thing as family fun.  Next time try having a barbecue or taking them to Disneyland instead.

(Posted by Skippy Massey)

Stabbing Drama Unfolds After Discussion About Religion

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

On March 25th at approximately 8:30 pm, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a stabbing which
just occurred on US 101 at the Weott Overpass, in Weott.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers, and medical personnel responded to the scene. 

When the deputies and CHP Officers arrived, they found the 46-year-old male victim, a transient from the Redding Area, on the overpass in the middle of US 101.

Several citizens were attempting to render aid to the victim, including one citizen applying pressure on the victim’s chest wound.  Deputies learned from several passing motorists that was how they found the victim in the roadway.

Deputies located the suspect, identified as Clayton Winfield Hamilton, 29-year-old, from Orem, Utah.  Hamilton was detained and treated at the scene for a laceration wound to his hand requiring stitches.   Mr. Hamilton admitted to stabbing the victim three or four times with a knife and told the deputies it was in self-defense.

Deputies interviewed a 30-year-old male friend of the suspect who was at the scene.   The friend resides in Rio Dell, and told deputies he hadn’t seen or heard from Hamilton in five years.

The friend told the deputies that Hamilton called him from Utah on March 21st  and said he had a business opportunity and was on his way out to meet up with him to discuss it.  On March 25th, he arrived in Rio Dell to meet up with his friend.

The friend saw Hamilton speaking with a male victim who was hitchhiking in front of the Shell Gas station in Rio Dell.  The victim told Hamilton he wanted a ride to Garberville.  The three got together and decided to go for lunch in Fortuna first, at McDonalds.

At lunch, Hamilton told the victim he wanted to talk with his friend– alone– so the victim walked off.  Hamilton then told his friend the victim was “evil” and he needed to kill him.  Hamilton then left his friend and said he was going to find the victim.

The friend began to worry that Hamilton was serious– and he would harm the victim.  The friend went looking for Hamilton.  The friend saw Hamilton’s vehicle southbound on US 101 as he was traveling northbound.  The friend pursued Hamilton’s vehicle, finally catching up with him in Weott at Sewell Drive and Spring Street.

Hamilton’s truck stopped and the friend approached the truck.  The friend witnessed a struggle in the truck and opened Hamilton’s truck door.  He saw Hamilton had a knife in his hands and there was blood all over the interior of the truck.

The friend grabbed Hamilton and began pulling him from the vehicle, allowing the victim to escape from the truck.  The friend then called 911 to report the crime.

Deputies were able to interview the victim at a local hospital where he was being treated for multiple stab wounds, including one to the chest and one to the abdomen.  Doctors told deputies the wounds were life-threatening.

The victim related a similar story as Hamilton’s friend, but added that he was originally picked up hitchhiking by Hamilton in Redding.  He was given a ride to Rio Dell by Hamilton, who stopped to meet up with a friend.  The victim told Hamilton he wanted a ride to Garberville when he was picked up in Redding.

After they ate at McDonalds, the victim walked off after Hamilton told him to leave.  He was picked up a second time during the drive to Garberville and he and Hamilton had a discussion about religion.  Hamilton then suddenly pulled off to the side of the road in Weott and told the victim ‘he had to kill him.’ 

Hamilton produced a large knife and began stabbing the victim repeatedly.

Mr. Hamilton was arrested for attempted murder and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for attempted murder.  His bail is set at $500,000, the HCSO said in their release.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

* * * * * * * * *

A fanatic is a man who does what he thinks the Lord would do if He knew the facts of the case.   He can’t change his mind, won’t change the subject, and wants to kill you.  A fanatic is three letters shy of a lunatic.

(Posted by Skippy Massey)

Suspects Captured on Murder Warrants Identified

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

The Fresno Bee named the two suspects arrested in Eureka last week in connection with a gang-related shooting
two weeks ago in Fresno, the Times-Standard reported today.

Reginald Taylor, 28, and Abel Price, 21, both of Fresno, were arrested in an early morning SWAT raid Friday in an apartment on the 900 block of ‘O’ Street in Eureka, where they had been hiding out.  Forty law enforcement personnel evacuated neighbors and surrounded the building at 7 am, demanding the suspects surrender themselves on their outstanding murder warrants.  They wisely and pecefully did.  No one was hurt.

According to Fresno Police Department Lt. Mark Salazar, the two men were wanted in connection with a shooting that left a woman with severe injuries.  Salazar, a homicide and robbery unit commander, said both men are known gang members with criminal records.  Fresno detectives were able to trace the men to the O Street residence on a tip and coordinate the raid with local law enforcement agencies.

Mr. Taylor

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said suspect Reginald Taylor is believed to be the gunman in the March 13 shooting occurring at Colima’s Fade Barber Shop in the Manchester Shopping Center of Fresno.  Abel Price faces a charge of conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon.  Both are gang members, Dyer said.

According to the Fresno Bee, police got an anonymous tip last Wednesday that Taylor and Price were in Eureka.  The two were staying with a local acquaintance who believed they had come to Humboldt County to look for jobs, and who claimed he was unaware of the barber shop shooting.  He was helping the two look for work, Dyer said.

On March 13, the two men went to the Manchester Center barbershop about 7:30 pm with Trenice Williams, 22, who wanted to talk with barber Ronald Moore about the custody of a child they have together.  That’s when a fight broke out, Dyer said.

Mr. Price

Taylor left the shop– but then he returned with a gun.  He fired four shots toward a chair Moore was hiding behind, Dyer said.

Moore wasn’t hit during the exchange, but one shot that Taylor fired struck 46-year-old victim Rafiola Binger, who had taken her son and daughter to the barbershop for a haircut.  Ms. Binger was hit in the lower back by Taylor’s bullet and partially paralyzed.  About half a dozen workers and patrons were inside the barbershop when the shooting happened.

Binger was listed in fair condition Friday at Fresno’s Community Regional Medical Center.  Doctors initially were concerned that Binger wouldn’t be able to walk again, but are now more optimistic that she will, Dyer said.

Trenice Williams was subsequently arrested.  She faces a charge of conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon.

Reginald Taylor has a moderately lengthy criminal record– including serving seven years in prison for shooting and killing a man in Fresno on Christmas Day in 2001 when he was 17, Dyer said.  He faces charges that included attempted murder and four counts of assault with a deadly weapon in the barber shop shooting, the Fresno Bee reported.

No details were immediately available on Abel Price’s involvement in the shooting.

Both Taylor and Price are expected to be returned shortly to Fresno from the Humboldt County Correctional Facility, where they were being held on $2 million bail following their surender and arrest.

County Sheriff Asks for Public’s Help in Identifying Victims and Leads

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office makes their Missing Persons and Cold Cases page available to the public.

We wish the HCSO would do the same.

They ask that if you know or can offer any details on these cases below, to please call them at (707) 234-2100.

JOHN AND JANE DOE:  TWO YOUNG VICTIMS FOUND DEAD TOGETHER

On July 08, 1979 the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a person reporting the discovery of human remains in the area of Mile Post Marker 21.11 on Highway 20.  This area was located between the city of Willits and the city of Fort Bragg in Mendocino County of California.

During a search of the rural area, Sheriff’s Detective recovered the skeletal remains of two separate human bodies.  Anthropologists determined the bodies to be that of a male and female.  In 2001 DNA testing showed the bodies were not biologically related.

Over the course of the investigation, Sheriff’s Detectives were able to obtain computer-generated facial reconstructive sketches of the bodies.

The attached colors sketches were first obtained in the early 2000′s from a forensic artist

with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  The picture of the bird in the inset at the bottom of the picture is depicted as an earring (pierced ear type) that was recovered with the human remains.

In 2012, a more advanced 3D sketch process was used by a digital forensic artist with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children resulting in the attached black & white sketches.  The new process and this specific case were featured in a BCC News television program: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18529366.

Anyone with information in regards to this case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip-Line by calling 707-234-2100.

John Doe

• Height:  5′ 2″ to 5′ 11″
• Race: White
• Estimated Age: 10-20 years old
• Date of Discovery: July 8, 1979
• MCSO Case #: 1979-1900

Jane Doe

• Height:  5′ 3″ to 6′ 0″
• Race: White
• Estimated Age: 10-20 years old
• Date of Discovery: July 8, 1979
• MCSO Case #: 1979-1900

CHRIS ROBERT GIAUQUE:  MISSING HUMBOLDT/MENDOCINO RESIDENT

On the evening of August 9, 2003, Chris Robert Giauque went to the Spyrock Road area of Mendocino County and met with an associate near the Iron Peak lookout.  This area is located north of the town of Laytonville, California.

Chris Giauque was on probation for cultivation of marijuana and reportedly left his vehicle, a 1994 blue Toyota extra cab pickup truck at this location as he did not want to be seen in his truck on the property that he and the associate owned on Simmerly Road in Covelo, California.

Reportedly, the associate gave Chris Giauque a ride into and out of the property.  Chris Giauque was reportedly last seen in this area around 9:00 PM.  It is possible that Chris Giauque became a robbery-homicide victim.

Chris Giauque had made the trip to pick up a substantial amount of cash and it was possible that numerous people knew of the pending business transaction.

Chris Giauque’s pickup truck was located on August 10, 2003 approximately 50 miles north of Spyrock Road and 3 miles south of Myers Flat on the Avenue of the Giants near Elk Creek Road in Humboldt County.  This location is north of Salmon Creek where Chris Giauque resided.

To this date, Chris Giauque’s body has not been located and his father (Bob Giauque) has established a website to aid in the investigation.  The website located at www.chrisreward.org contains additional information on the circumstances of Chris Giauque’s disappearance and an established reward. 

The investigation into Chris Giauque’s disappearance is being handled by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information in regards to the disappearance of Chris Giauque is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip-Line by calling 707-234-2100.

• Age at time of murder:  36 years-old
• Height:  6′ 0″
• Weight:  145 lbs.
• Hair:  Brown
• Eyes: Blue
• MCSO Case#:  03-3247
• Date of disappearance:  August 9, 2003

To note, Chris Giauque’s page has much more lengthy detailed information of his disappearance and acquaintances.  It reads in part:

“My family is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of my remains.

An additional $150,000 reward is offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for killing me.  And now, an additional reward incentive is being made available to anyone bringing in direct evidence of the crime.

Failure to bring rapid closure to this case will lead to a number of bounty hunters invading your territory.  They will scour the area, seeking information and asking questions.”

* * * * * * * *

The MCSO has other missing persons and cold cases that can be found here: http://www.mendocinosheriff.com/missing/coldcases.html

We wonder why our own Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office doesn’t make similar information available to its residents as the Mendocino SO does.

Why they haven’t do so– or even attempted a posting of Humboldt’s Most Wanted Individuals list for the public– is a cold case mystery in and of itself.

Fresno Gang Bangers Apprehended in Early Morning Eureka Raid

–UPDATED BELOW–

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

The 900 block of O Street in Eureka was abruptly shaken from its slumber this morning as numerous law enforcement agencies swarmed into the neighborhood and evacuated residents from their homes in an early morning raid seeking two murder fugitives on the lam from the Central Valley.

A multi-agency SWAT team comprising forty officers from the Eureka Police Department, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and Fresno law enforcement descended upon the O Street home at the crack of dawn in the pre-planned operation, the Times-Standard reported.

The SWAT team apprehended two unidentified men on attempted warrants murder warrants.  The fugitives, believed to be Fresno County gang members, were taken into custody without incident and reportedly surrendered to authorities during the raid.

Neighborhood residents reported they were awakened from their sleep as numerous lawmen in bullet proof vests and full tactical gear encircled the house and loudly shouted to the men that they were completely surrounded and to come out and surrender themselves, they said.

The names of the two men were not released.  HCSO Lt. Steve Knight said the two men were wanted for their involvement in a Fresno shooting leaving a woman with severe injuries almost two weeks ago.

There have been over 20 shooting incidents in Fresno in the last three weeks, prompting the city to conduct a major gang operation sweep towards reducing gang violence and shootings plaguing the city.

Eight shootings occurred in Fresno the week before the gang operation began, including a gang-related shooting that critically injured an 8-year-old girl.  During the 5-day sweep, 153 felony arrests and the seizure of 19 illegal firearms were made, the Fresno Police Department said.

More details of Eureka’s raid are expected to be made by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office once they are made available, officials said.  The Times-Standard will have more information regarding the incident in their forthcoming story.

UPDATE I: 

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office issued their press release just a few moments ago:

“On 03-20-2013, the Eureka Police Department was contacted by Fresno Police Department regarding two wanted suspects that were believed to be hiding out in the City of Eureka.  Fresno Police Detectives told Eureka Police Detectives they had arrest warrants for the two males in connection with a recent shooting in Fresno.

The warrants were both for assault with a firearm and conspiracy to commit a crime.  The bail on the arrest warrants was for two million dollars. Fresno Police told Eureka Police both suspects were validated gang members, had violent pasts, and were considered to be armed and dangerous.

Eureka Police immediately began working with Fresno to locate both suspects.

Local law enforcement agencies were notified the suspects could be in the area.  Fresno Police and Eureka Police were able to locate the suspects staying in a residence in the 900 block of O st, Eureka.

Eureka Police with the assistance of Fresno Police were able to obtain a search warrant for the residence the suspects were believed to be in. Fresno Police immediately dispatched three detectives to Eureka, arriving on 3-21-2013.

Due to the suspect’s violent history, the likelyhood of being armed, and the type of arrest warrants issued, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Interagency SWAT team (the Sheriff’s Office and Eureka Police), and the Sheriffs Office Crisis Negotiation Team, were activated.

On 03-22-2013 at 7:00 a.m., officers and deputies from Eureka Police, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshalls Office, Bureau of Land Management, Humboldt County District Attorney Investigators and Humboldt County Drug Task Force blocked off the area around the suspects location and evacuated nearby neighbors.  The SWAT team was deployed while this was occurring.

Both suspects were then called out of the residence and surrendered immediately to the SWAT Team.  No one was injured.

Fresno Police has requested the names of the suspects be withheld along with their booking photos.  They are still actively investigating their case.

The suspects, both in their 20’s, reside in Fresno and were booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on their arrest warrants. Eureka Police and Fresno Detectives searched the residence the suspects were staying in, pursuant to the search warrant.”

UPDATE II, March 25:

The Fresno Bee named two suspects arrested in Eureka on Friday in connection with a gang-related shooting two weeks ago in Fresno, the Times-Standard reported.

Reginald Taylor, 28, and Abel Price, 21, both of Fresno, were arrested in the early morning raid on the 900 block of O Street.

According to Fresno Police Department Lt. Mark Salazar, the two men were wanted
in connection with a shooting that left a woman
with severe injuries.

Salazar, a homicide and robbery unit commander, said both men are known gang members with criminal records and Fresno detectives were able to trace the men back to the O Street residence based on a tip.

UPDATE III:  More Details Emerge of Friday’s ‘O’ Street SWAT Raid

* * * * * * *

Photo from the Times-Standard Facebook page.

(Posted by Skippy Massey)

Resident’s Gun vs. Four Young Burglars:  Burglars Lose

–Police Seeking Roy Bettencourt of Fortuna–

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

On March 20, 2013 at about 11:45 PM, the Fortuna Police Department received a report of subjects breaking a window out of a vehicle located in the area of Rohnerville Road and Rohner Drive.

Officers responded and while checking the area for the involved subjects, they heard a firearm being discharged in the area of Bluejay Court.

Officer immediately responded to Bluejay Court and they observed two male subjects fleeing the area.  The FPD officers detained 19-year-old Bryntt Smith, pictured right, and his 22-year-old brother Rynn Smith, pictured lower right sporting a Sesame Street Boo-Boo bandaid, both of Rio Dell.

Officers then learned that the brothers– as well as a 16-year-old female subject and an additional male subject– were attempting to break into a residence located in the 1700 block of Bluejay Court.

During their burglary attempt, they were confronted by the resident who discharged his firearm to protect his family and property.

Shortly later, officers from Rio Dell Police Department and Ferndale Police Department responded to assist and officers located the 16-year-old juvenile female who was also taken into custody.

The minor female and Rynn Smith were transported to Redwood Memorial Hospital for medical examinations of injuries that were unrelated to the discharged firearm.

Once treated, brothers Rynn & Brynnt Smith were booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges:

- Attempted Burglary
- Prowling
- Public Intoxication
- Vandalism
- Conspiracy to Commit Burglary
- Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
- Child Endangerment

The minor female was booked into the Humboldt County Juvenile Hall on the following charges:

- Attempted Burglary
- Prowling
- Public Intoxication
- Vandalism
- Conspiracy to Commit Burglary

The additional suspect police are seeking was identified as 22-year-old Roy Bettencourt of Fortuna, pictured below.

The department is asking anyone with information about this investigation or Bettencourt’s whereabouts to contact the departments WeTip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME.

UPDATE:  On March 21, 2013 at about 9:00 pm, Roy Bettencourt, 22, turned himself in at the Fortuna Police Department.  Bettencourt is currently being interviewed by officers and will be transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility this evening, FPD said.

Roy Bettencourt: Wanted

Asks for Public’s Help in Identifying Victim Through Items Discovered

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On October 30, 2012 at 0659 hours, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a person wanting to report a suspicious situation.

The caller had located a shoe protruding from the earth near the shore of the Eel River in the 83000 block of Highway 271.  Upon closer examination the caller believed the shoe was attached to a human body.

A Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Sergeant and a Sheriff’s Detective responded to the scene and located what the caller had
reported.

During this time it was discovered that the shoe was associated with a shallow grave that contained the skeletal remains of a human body.  Sheriff’s Detectives requested the assistance of the Department of Anthropology at California State University, Chico in recovering the remains from the grave.

On March 11, 2013, Sheriff’s Detectives received a report from the CSU-Chico Human Identification Laboratory in regards to the analysis of the human remains.

The results of the analysis showed that the human remains are believed to be that of a white male adult, approximately 25-45 years of age with a height between 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 5 inches tall.

Sheriff’s Detectives have enlisted the assistance of the California Department of Justice in recovering DNA from a bone to help establish a DNA profile for the remains.

Sheriff’s Detectives hope to enter this DNA profile into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and use the DNA profile to compare against Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office active missing persons cases.

Pictures of items and clothing of the skeletal remains are pictured here.  Clicking on the images will slightly enlarge them.

Anyone with information in regards to this case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip-Line by calling 707-234-2100.

* * * * * * * * *

The Sentinel’s previous articles of the Piercy skeleton discovery can be found here
and here.

The Beat Goes On

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

HUMBOLDT’S LATEST INTERNET SCAM 

Eureka– On 3/20/13, the Eureka Police Department received a report of a computer-related scam that’s now affecting some local residents. Victims are reporting a pop-up message that appear on their personal computer and is purportedly from the “Department of Homeland Security National Cyber Security Division.”

The message, which appears to be a form of malware/virus known as “ransomware,” states: “The work of your computer has been suspended on the grounds of the violation of the law of the United States of America.”

It further declares, “This computer has been blocked.”

The message remains locked in the front of one’s screen and the user is unable to close it or access other programs.  It essentially freezes the computer.  The message instructs the user that to “unlock” the computer they are “obliged to pay a fine of $300.00.”  It further states they must pay this fine through “MoneyPak” within 48 hours by using Green Dot MoneyPak that’s available through Walmart, Kmart, Rite Aid and other major retailers.

If the fine has not been paid, it threatens the user will become the subject of criminal prosecution without the right to pay the fine.  The warning asserts once you pay the “fine” your computer will be unblocked.  The “fine” is paid by entering your $300.00 MoneyPak code into a box on the pop-up warning screen and clicking ok.

The warning screen is very convincing with logos from Homeland Security as well as major retailers such as Walmart.  Walmart and the other retailers are not associated with this scam.  Alternate versions of this same scam may use the FBI’s logo.

Anyone receiving this message should not enter a MoneyPak code or any other payment method into the screen.  Users should file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at:

http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.

Additional information concerning this scam may be found at the following Internet links:

http://corporate.walmart.com/privacy-security/fraud-alerts/green-dot-moneypak-scam

http://www.ic3.gov/media/2012/121130.aspx

SEARCH WARRANTS AND METH 

Mr. Ross

Fortuna– On March 20, 2013 at about 07:30 am, officers of the Fortuna Police Department served a search warrant on a residence located in the 2300 block of Newburg Road.

During the execution of the warrant officers located over:

• 12 grams of suspected methamphetamine packaged for sale
• Additional packaging materials
• A digital scale and $3,000 in US currency

Phillip Allen Ross (50) of Fortuna was arrested on the following charges:

· HS 11379: Possession of controlled substance for sale
· HS 11377: Possession of controlled substance.
· HS 11364: Possession of drug paraphernalia
· HS 11366.5 Maintaining a drug house

Mr. Hutchins

James Eugene Hutchins (52) of Fortuna was arrested on the following charges:

· HS 11364: Possession of drug paraphernalia
· PC 1203.2 Probation violation

Both Ross and Hutchins were transported to the Humboldt County Jail where they were booked without further incident.

FORTUNA MAN AND MINOR BUSTED ON MULIPLE BURGLARIES

Fortuna– On March 20, 2013 at about 2:00 am, a Vancil Street resident reported that he believed someone had just taken several items from his vehicle. While officers were in the area, the initial victim re-contacted the department to report that he had seen a white two-door older model car in the area which he did not recognize.

Officers continued to search for the vehicle and at about 2:30 am, a sergeant observed a vehicle matching the description leaving the area.  Based on the information received as well as several observed vehicle code violations, an enforcement stop was conducted in the area of Main Street and Harlan Way.

The occupants of the vehicle were identified as 25-year-old Edward Brinson Jr. of Eureka, and a 15-year-old male of Eureka.

Upon further investigation, officers observed burglary tools and suspected stolen property in the back seat of the vehicle and determined that Brinson was on Felony Probation for Possession of Stolen Property and had an extensive history of theft related convictions.

Brinson and the minor were both taken into custody.  During a search of Brinson’s person, he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

Mr. Brinson was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on the following charges:

- Petty Theft with a Prior
- Grand Theft
- Possession of Burglary Tools
- Possession of Stolen Property
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Violation of Probation
- Vandalism

The minor was transported to Humboldt County Juvenile Hall and booked on the following charges:

- Grand Theft
- Possession of Burglary Tools
- Possession of Stolen Property
- Possession of Concentrated Cannabis

Currently, the department has identified eight victims all of which reside in the northern portion of Fortuna.

The Fortuna Police Department is asking that any additional victims or witnesses contact the department at 707-725-7550.

UNSUPERVISED PROBATIONER NODDING OFF… AGAIN

Eureka– On 3-18-13, at about 3:30 pm, an officer with the Eureka Police Department received a tip about a male subject passed out inside a white van parked on the 1500 block of 2nd Street, Eureka.   The officer responded to the location and located the white Chrysler van in the parking lot of the apartment building there.

The officer approached the van and observed a male subject, later identified as Michael Edward Sovereign, slumped over in the driver’s seat.  Nodding off.  Again.

The officer woke Sovereign who stated he was “just taking a nap.”  A records check revealed Sovereign was on formal felony probation for possession of a controlled substance.  His probation terms included submitting to search and seizure. 

During a subsequent search of Sovereign’s person pursuant to his probation conditions, the officer located a baggie containing approximately 12.3 grams (nearly ½ ounce) of crystal methamphetamine. 

The officer then conducted an additional probation search at Sovereign’s nearby apartment.  Inside Sovereign’s room, the officer located a realistic air soft pistol with its safety markings removed, drug use paraphernalia (glass meth pipe), and a hockey puck-sized piece of suspected concentrated cannabis/hash (approximately 41.2 grams or 1 ½ ounces). 

Sovereign, age 67 of Eureka, was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked for possession of a controlled substance and probation violation.

Again.

DOJ ANNOUNCES POT-TRAFFICKING RING TAKEN OUT

Fortuna– Six people were arrested, assault rifles were seized, and thousands of marijuana plants were uprooted Wednesday after a three-year investigation by a state drug task force uncovered a pot-trafficking ring, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced.

Michelle Gregory, a California Department of Justice spokeswoman, said North State Marijuana Investigation Team (MSMIT) agents served 12 search warrants in the Rio Dell, Fortuna and Bridgeville areas of Humboldt County, and also in the cities of San Francisco and Sonoma.

Investigators from state and local law enforcement agencies found 2,896 plants, 400 hundreds pounds of processed pot, 44 weapons, 15 high-capacity magazines, 2 ounces of cocaine, 2 ounces psychedelic mushrooms and $74,000 in cash.

The pot was being sold illegally on the street throughout the United States.  “We have shut down an illegal, multi-state operation,” California Attorney General Kamala Harris said in a statement.

Eric Sordal, 31, was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment, marijuana cultivation and possession of assault weapons.

Also arrested were:

• Jamie Gilbert, 35
• Scott Moore, 31
• Emory Ayers, 64
• Shawn Mitten, 35
• Alvin Machado, 27

They were being held on suspicion of possessing marijuana for sale and other charges.

Officials said two additional warrants were served at a Coldwell Banker office and a Fortuna storage unit.

In 2010, NSMIT agents received a tip and launched an investigation.  The DOJ task force was assisted by a gaggle of agencies– almost everyone EXCEPT the Donut Police.

The participating law organizations were:  the Alcohol Beverage Control, California Highway Patrol, Central Valley Marijuana Investigation Team, DEA, Eureka Police Department, Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, Humboldt County Drug Task Force, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain and Valley Marijuana Investigation Team, Siskiyou County-wide Interagency Narcotic Task Force, and Trinity County Sheriff’s Office.

That’s a whole lotta folks, folks.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY FAIR BOARD DISINTEGRATING UNDER PRESSURE

Ferndale– You might recall our previous story on the alleged Brown Act violations by the Humboldt County Fair Board.

Now another member of the Humboldt County Fair Board has resigned from his position, as controversy continues with fair management, and a looming grand jury investigation into the board’s actions.  Two board members have been subpoenaed by the Grand Jury, and possibly more.  And they’re not talking about it, either.
 
Humboldt County Fair Director Ken Christen announced his resignation “effective immediately” in a formal letter to the board, stating, “I can no longer support the current board and the path they have chosen to take regarding the fair manager and the direction in which the fair is headed.”
 
Christen added a thank you to Stuart Titus for his 22 years of work with the fair.  It was the non-renewal of Titus’ contract that sparked controversy and investigation into the board.  Don Becker and John Burger resigned from the fair board in early February.
 
The remaining members– those still standing and present, that is– are set to meet in a regularly scheduled session on Monday.

Flee and Spree Leads to SoHum Chase and Arrest

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

From the HCSO:

On Monday, March 18 at 1:00 in the morning,  a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office deputy patrolling the area of Blue Slide Road and Price Creek Road near Rio Dell area saw a grey 1989 Toyota pickup truck parked in a turnout, in the same vicinity where the Suddenlink fiber-optic vandalisms had been occurring.

As the deputy drove by he saw a subject standing outside the truck’s driver side door wearing a black backpack.  When the deputy made a u-turn to investigate what the person was doing, the truck sped away south on Blue Slide Road.

The deputy sheriff attempted to pull the car over but the truck failed to yield.  Instead, the pickup sped up to speeds in excess of 60 mph.

The deputy initiated a pursuit as the truck accelerated to 70 mph as it approached Rio Dell City limits.  The truck failed to stop for a stop sign and then entered US-101 southbound at speeds of 50 to 80 mph.  It then exited US-101 at the Pepperwood exit, continuing southbound on State Route 254– Avenue of the Giants.  While traveling southbound on State Route 254 the truck weaved into both lanes of traffic.  Due to public safety concerns the deputy terminated the pursuit.

A few minutes later the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officers who were responding to assist the deputy spotted the pickup truck on Dyerville Loop Road in the Garberville area.  The truck again started to flee from the CHP car;  however it lost control and crashed in the 2700 block of Dyerville Loop Road.

The pickup truck rolled over during the crash and traveled approximately 400 feet down a hillside.  The driver, who was the sole occupant in the pickup truck, was taken into custody by the CHP.   He received minor injuries in the collision.  The CHP officers located a loaded Colt handgun in the vehicle, along with a variety of illegal drugs.

The deputy joined the CHP officers on the scene and the driver, Michael Joseph Petersen, 29-years-old from Garberville, was arrested for:

• Felony evasion
• Possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle
• Possession of illicit drugs
• Possession of hashish
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Resisting arrest
• Driving unlicensed
• Driving under the influence

Mr. Petersen was taken to a local hospital for his injuries and was treated and released.  He was then transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where his bail was set at $50,000.

There is no indication Petersen was involved in the Suddenlink vandalisms, the HCSO said.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251, or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

* * * * * * * *

If he were any slower, he’d be going backward.

(Posted by Skippy Massey)

Humboldt’s Stinky Slurry of Crime Reports

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Cracked Nuts:  Mr. Nutt’s Wild Ride

EUREKA– This morning, March 18 at about 9:30 a.m., numerous citizens called EPD to report a possible DUI driver
northbound on Broadway approaching Wabash Street.

It was reported that the suspect vehicle, a silver 2008 Toyota 4-Runner, possibly hit a sign pole, was driving on the wrong side of the road on Broadway, and driving on the sidewalk.

EPD officers located the vehicle, facing northbound in the southbound lanes of Broadway at 15th street.
 
Several citizens were out in the roadway attempting to get the driver, 24-year-old Tanner Nutt of Arcata, to stop.

An officer stopped his patrol car several yards in front of Mr. Nutt’s vehicle which was now traveling at a very slow speed.  The officer activated his emergency lights, but Mr. Nutt didn’t stop, and he allowed his vehicle to collide with the front of the patrol car.  The officer attempted to get Mr. Nutt out of his vehicle, but he refused commands to open the locked doors.

Fearing that the driver could possibly back up and continue driving– injuring himself or others– and not knowing if the driver was under the influence or experiencing a medical issue, officers broke out the driver’s side window and opened the door.

While trying to get Nutt out of the vehicle he started resisting and became combative.  Officers removed Nutt from his vehicle and placed him on the ground into a safe handcuffing position where he was detained.

Nutt and one officer sustained minor cuts from broken glass.  An ambulance was summoned to the scene to check on Nutt’s health.  He was taken to the hospital where he was treated for minor facial cuts from the broken glass.

Officers concluded that Mr. Nutt was not experiencing a medical issue– but was driving under the influence of suspected heroin and medications.

Witnesses on scene advised that Nutt had been driving northbound on Broadway at a high rate of speed in the center turn lane and passing other traffic.  Nutt then swerved into the southbound lanes and onto the north sidewalk where he collided with a metal street sign pole.

According to witnesses, Nutt failed to stop at a red light at Wabash while driving on the wrong side of the road.  Once across the intersection, Nutt sideswiped a vehicle that was stopped for the red light.  The other driver and his 5 month old daughter were un-injured.

The Nutt continued driving and drove up onto the north sidewalk and almost ran over two pedestrians who had to jump out of the way.  One of those pedestrians said that Nutt’s vehicle brushed up against him as he jumped out of the way but he was not injured.

Mr. Nutt then slowly began to drive northbound in the southbound lanes of Broadway until he collided with the police car.

Numb Nutt was soon cleared from the hospital and booked into the Humboldt County Jail for DUI, and Hit and Run.

Officers will also seek additional charges of:

• Possession of medications without a prescription
• Driving on the wrong side of the road
• Driving on the sidewalk
• Failure to stop for a red light

EPD would like to thanks the numerous callers and witnesses who either remained on scene or came back to the scene to provide a statement.  Anyone who may have witnessed this incident, but was not contacted at the scene is asked to contact Senior Traffic Officer Gary Whitmer at (707) 441-4232.

Grab ‘N Go

EUREKA– On March 16 at approximately 2:40 p.m., officers from the Eureka Police Department were dispatched to a report of a theft suspect who had stolen merchandise from a business in the 3400 block of Broadway– and was now at the Bayshore Mall stealing from a department store.

Before officers could arrive, the suspect walked to a second business in the mall and again began concealing items on his person with the intention of stealing them.
 
Officers confronted the suspect inside the department store.  He immediately refused to stop, and began running from the contact officer.

The suspect ran through the store aisles and around shoppers.  As a second officer approached the suspect, he shoved the officer to the ground, violently causing the officer to strike the back of their head on the hard floor.

The suspect lost his balance as a result of the collision, and was subdued and taken into custody. Items from all three thefts were located and recovered from his clothing.
 
As officers were attempting to walk the suspect to a patrol vehicle, he attempted to pull away from their grasp and escape.  The suspect again had to be taken to the ground.

The suspect was eventually secured in a patrol vehicle.

Once the suspect was secured the officer who had struck their head became dizzy and nauseas and was transported to St. Joseph Hospital for treatment by ambulance.  A second officer who was also injured during this arrest was treated at St. Joseph Hospital.  Both officers were later released.
 
The suspect was identified as Joseph Robert Valenti, 33-years-old, from Eureka.  Mr. Valenti was transported to St. Joseph Hospital for medical clearance for injuries he sustained during his arrest.

Once cleared for booking, Valenti was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on two counts of battery against a Peace Officer causing injury, felony resisting arrest, three (3) counts of burglary and probation violation.

Mr. Valenti is being held on $300,000 bail.

Heroin, Hash, Stolen Camera, and Junkies POP-ped

EUREKA– On March 13, detectives from the Eureka Police Department’s Problem Oriented Policing Unit (POP) served a search warrant in the 300 block of West Buhne St.  The warrant service was in response to complaints of suspected drug activity coming from an apartment at this location.

During a search of the apartment, detectives seized approximately 2.5 grams of suspected heroin, 8.8 grams of hashish, 4 ½ lbs of marijuana “shake”, drug paraphernalia (including uncapped syringes), and a firearm.

Detectives also seized several suspected stolen cameras, including a confirmed stolen KIEM-News Channel 3 video camera.

As a result of the investigation, Jon Scott David, age 38, and Kerry Ann Draeger, 36, were taken into custody and booked into the Humboldt County
Correctional Facility.

Both David and Draeger were charged with

• Possession of Heroin
• Possession of Heroin for Sales
• Maintaining a Residence for Narcotic Activity
• Child Endangerment
• Possession of Stolen Property

David was booked for the additional charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

*Anyone with information concerning suspected drug activity, or other nuisances occurring in the City of Eureka is encouraged to call the Problem Oriented Policing Unit at (707) 441-4373.

Stolen Trailer and Firewood

EUREKA– You might remember our post on this.  EPD came out with a release today– albeit 6 days later– and the photo shown here.

On March 13 at approximately 1:30 in the afternoon, this Jeep pulled over in the 900 block of W. Harris and hooked up their vehicle to the trailer with full of firewood for sale.

The grey Jeep and the turquoise-colored sedan pictured are suspect vehicles in the vehicle theft case.  After the theft, the suspect vehicles– traveling together– turned southbound onto Nevada Street from Harris Street. 

Anyone with information regarding the drivers or location of either vehicle is encouraged to contact Officer Ed Wilson of the Eureka Police Department at 707-441-4060.

Please refer to case # 3C13-2015.

Sunny Brae Burglar Caught

ARCATA– On March 5, 2013, Investigators from the Arcata Police Department received information regarding the identity of an individual believed to be responsible for numerous burglaries in the Sunny Brae area over the past months.

Through the course of the investigation, 36-year-old Timothy Dickinson of Arcata was identified by witnesses as burglarizing a home in Sunny Brae. Dickinson’s vehicle, a 2000 Oldsmobile has been identified by additional witnesses leaving the scene of several other burglaries. 

On March 17, 2013, acting on a tip from a citizen, officers from the Fortuna Police Department located Dickinson in the 700 block of Fortuna Blvd.

Dickinson was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on burglary charges.

Nailed While Nodding Off

ARCATA– Arcata Police say a man was found unresponsive Saturday in his car, parked in the 4200 block of West End Road in Arcata.

Taking a closer look, officers determined the individual was very much alive.  He was, however, nodding off due to being under the influence of narcotics.

They also found a syringe filled with what is believed to be heroin in his vehicle, and “unlawful” prescription drugs.

The individual, identified as Jesse Perez, was arrested for two separate narcotic drug charges and lodged in the County Pokey.

Fled and Arrested and Lodged

ARCATA– During Friday’s alcohol Shoulder Tap operation, Arcata police arrested a wanted parolee– not only for furnishing alcohol to a minor, but also for being in possession of stolen property and absconding from the APD officer.

After being confronted by police that he bought alcohol for a minor in APD’s Shoulder Tap sting operation, the suspect fled on fast feet.

After a short chase he was caught, arrested, and taken into custody.  The individual, identified as James Burke, 40-years-old of Galt, was lodged in the County jail. 

An officer received minor injuries from the pursuit.

Mr. Burke has been charged with resisting and obstructing an officer, possession of stolen property and furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Ukiah In-Home Care Provider Busted for Severe Neglect

UKIAH– On March 11, the Ukiah Police Department began an investigation into the current severe medical condition of a 32-year-old Ukiah woman who has a number of long term illnesses requiring her to have constant care, making her a legally dependent adult.

On March 7, the woman was transported via ambulance from her South State Street Apartment to the Ukiah Valley Medical Center due to an undisclosed medical condition.  It was determined the woman had severe life-threatening medical conditions that were related to substandard care for her underlying and ongoing medical issues, from which she is unable to provide for her own care and needs ongoing care provider assistance.

The Ukiah Police Detectives immediately took over the investigation and spent many nonstop hours following up on leads and information. They obtained a search warrant for the apartment that the woman lived in with her boyfriend/in-home care provider, Thomas Winkle.  Based on the severity of the woman’s condition, an arrest warrant was obtained for Winkle’s arrest for neglect and abuse of a dependent adult.

Detectives obtained and served a search warrant at the residence and discovered that the condition of the residence and the bed that the woman had been occupying for many months was extremely unsanitary.  These conditions directly resulted in the woman’s current life threatening medical conditions.

Thomas Winkle, the woman’s live in boyfriend and in-home paid care provider of more than two years, was arrested for severe neglect and abuse of a Dependent Adult.  He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail with bail set at $100,000.

The investigation continues and Mr. Winkle may be charged with further crimes depending on the outcome of that investigation.

Cali Drug Kingpin Goes Down

SAN DIEGO– A 40-year-old San Diegan was sentenced Friday to 17 1/2 years in prison for dealing 30 to 40 pounds of methamphetamine a month.

Silvano Hernandez Jr., pleaded guilty to RICO charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.  He was one of 36 people arrested last year in a roundup of the Mexican Mafia, a prison-based gang.

“Hernandez admitted to participating in the organized criminal activity of the Mexican Mafia,” prosecutors said in the statement.  “Specifically, he admitted to distributing, on average, 30-40 pounds of methamphetamine per month in San Diego.”

Officials seized nearly $150,000 in cash from his home when they arrested him, and a 2011 Lincoln sedan worth $50,000, the U.S. attorney said.

Hernandez was one of 36 individuals arrested last year as part of Operation Carnalismo, an investigation that targeted the Mexican Mafia’s criminal activity.

The Mexican Mafia is described as a notorious, violent prison gang that controls and benefits from a large portion of the criminal activity committed by Southern California Hispanic street-gang members.  The largest source of revenue for the Mexican Mafia is from drug trafficking, however, in order to maintain their territory gang members have committed murders, kidnappings, and extortion.

Thirty of the 36 people arrested last year have been convicted and 14 have been sentenced so far, prosecutors said.  Hernandez’s 210-month sentence is the stiffest stint handed out so far.

* * * * * * * *

It’s been wild busy crazy for law enforcement lately.

Here’s our two thumbs up.

Even as the Eureka Police Department issues press releases 5-6 days late, and sometimes not at all.  They also decided to do away with their ‘Most Wanted’ List for the public’s awareness.  It was too time consuming updating 10 photos every two weeks; and besides, the public doesn’t need to know anyway.

But, in all fairness, it’s also taken nearly 2 years to find a replacement for the Police Chief.  Oops!  We bad.  They haven’t found a replacement yet.  Not even close to finding one.  Nada, oopsie, and negligent.  My, how time flies.  Well, this is why EPD and the City  get paid the big bucks.

C’mon guys.  You do a good job.  Get the ball rolling and be nice to the public.

10,000 Suddenlink Customers Affected by Latest Vandalism Incident This Morning

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

The mysterious fiber-optic pirate has struck again,
this time severing Suddenlink’s cable, phone, and
Internet lines to parts of Northern Humboldt County
affecting 10,000 residential and business customers.

It is the fourth incident of vandalism in less than one week.  Despite a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Suddenlink’s serial slasher, the malicious slicing and dicing mayhem continues unabated throughout the County with the recent cutting of more fiber-optic lines early this morning.

Suddenlink Director of Operations Wendy Purnell said in a prepared statement today:

Suddenlink fiber-optic cable was cut in multiple locations early this morning in what appear to be further acts of vandalism.

We have again contacted the Sheriff’s Department and are offering a $5,000 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible individuals. Our technicians have been dispatched to the damaged areas and are in the process of restoring service.

The cuts affected service for about 10,000 customers in Big Lagoon, Trinidad, Big Lagoon, McKinleyville, Fieldbrook and parts of Arcata.

We’re sorry for the inconvenience, are working to restore service as soon as possible, and are supporting local law enforcement in their efforts to stop these crimes.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the multiple incidents that have caused upwards of $30,000 in damages and lost revenues to thousands of customers throughout Humboldt.  Suddenlink ground crews have been struggling to restore service to thousands of exasperated customers who found themselves suddenly and abruptly disconnected without warning.

The unknown saboteur has been deviously consistent in damaging and knocking out residential and business service.  He seems to know exactly where to strike, how to enter the secure underground vaults where the fiber-optic lines are, and identifying the appropriate lines to cut.

On Monday night he took out a four-foot section of Suddenlink’s line in Ferndale.  The previous Friday he struck twice in the Trinidad and Ferndale areas disrupting service.

HCSO’s Lt. Wayne Hanson said, “This is not a random act of violence.  Someone knows what they’re doing,” he told the
Times-Standard news yesterday.

“This could have been a former employee, an angry customer—we’re looking at all angles,” Hanson said.

Whoever it is, they have some misdirected anger and a serious grudge going on.  They also have more than a few screws and electrical  connections loose upstairs.  Not the brightest light in the socket, they’re a few bits shy of a byte and obviously played too much without a helmet.  Or stuck fingers in the outlet when the babysitter wasn’t looking.

The Sheriff’s Office is requesting that anyone with information about this case to call the HCSO at 445-7251, or the anonymous tip line at 268-2539.

And Hakim Wants It Back (PIC)

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

Some nefarious scoundrels made off with Hakim Wyllie’s father’s trailer from the streets of Eureka yesterday.

They strolled on in, hitched it up, and drove away sometime Tuesday.  We have a photo of it here.

One report indicates a dark green Jeep Cherokee pulled off with the trailer.  Another person in a Mercury Sable may have helped in stealing it.

We were told:

This is the trailer that was stolen in Eureka.  If you have any information call 707-616-5218.

Pay attention to detail of the photo.  You’ll notice the rear of the trailer has a custom receiver hitch slot.  There are very few trailers that have this.

 People can paint it differently, change the tires, etc., but that hitch on the end– or a trailer towing a trailer– is a dead give away.

If you see it…  dial 911 and follow that trailer!

Hakim would like his dad’s rig back.  From what we can see, it looks like it’s used for a small wood cutting business.  And it has a distinctive slip-groove receiving hitch on the rear.

We spoke with Hakim.  He is a very kind, courteous, and hardworking gentleman looking out for his family.

Should you spot it please call #616-5218.  You can also follow Hakim Wyllie’s timeline link here for further information and any late-breaking news:  https://www.facebook.com/hakim.wyllie

(Posted by Skippy Massey)

Robbery Investigation Leads to Hash Slinging Haberdashery

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

On March 8, officers from the Eureka Police Department were dispatched to an attempted robbery report in the 3400
block of Summer Street in Eureka.

Their investigation led them to a residence rented by David Cory Lyman.  While speaking to Mr. Lyman, officers observed indications of an indoor marijuana growing operation.

Based on information gathered, a search warrant was written and served on Lyman’s residence.  Officers located and seized nearly an ounce of hashish, over 700 marijuana plants, and 60 pounds of leafy marijuana shake” used in the hash-making process.

Lyman, age 37 of Eureka, was taken into custody and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.  He was booked for:

• Cultivation of Marijuana
• Possession of Marijuana for Sales
• Maintaining a Residence for Sales and Distribution of a Controlled Substance

 
An investigation into the original report of an attempted robbery was conducted, but it was determined no crime had been committed.
 
Anyone with information concerning suspected drug activity, or other nuisances occurring in the City of Eureka is encouraged to call the Problem Oriented Policing Unit at (707) 441-4373, EPD added.

Mystery Driver of Destruction Not Determined 

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

From the Eureka Police Department, mas y menos:

Early Sunday morning, March 10, at 5 a.m., EPD
officers were dispatched to the intersection of
Buhne and “I” streets on the report of a traffic
collision.

Upon arrival, officers discovered three lanes of “I” street were blocked with debris strewn about.  The roadside flotsam and jetsam included a large overturned traffic signal light pole, exposed signal light wires, a smashed wooden picket fence of a nearby residence, and various vehicle pieces, parts, and nuts and bolts.

Officers also saw that the vehicle ran over a chain link fence across the street, then entered the grassy field at Carson Park and collided with a large tree at high impact, nearly shearing it in two and knocking it over in a seemingly wanton blaze of road rage fury.

The suspected destruction derby driver and mysterious carnage carriage fled the scene,
but left behind a trail of leaky internal fluids
heading westbound on Buhne like a trail of
breadcrumbs leading back to the source of Mr.
Toad’s Wild Ride.

Inspecting the debris at the scene suggested the suspected vehicle was more than likely a Dodge truck missing a few pieces and heavily dinged up due to the errant escapade.

While EPD officers were following the fluid trail back to its origin, a female called the Eureka Police Department.  Lo and behold, she innocently implored that she was driving through the intersection when “another vehicle ran a red light” which caused her “to swerve and crash into the pole.” 

She said that she followed this unknown vehicle to Wabash and “E” streets where her vehicle stalled.  Officers responded to Wabash and “E” streets where they contacted the suspected driver.  They also found the heavily damaged Dodge truck, presumably leaking.

Based on her “numerous inconsistent statements” (like, she was lying), the officers believed she wasn’t being truly forthcoming and truthful.

When confronted with her inconsistencies and Pinocchio nose, she told officers that it really was her boyfriend, and not her, driving at the time of the collision(s).

Officers were unable to locate the boyfriend, but did determine that his driver’s license had been suspended.  He has yet to be contacted for questioning at the time of this EPD release.  As of this writing, the whodunnit mystery of Carson Park continues.

* * * * * * * *

(Posted by Skippy Massey)

Stunning Admission by US Attorney General Eric Holder Has Congress Fuming

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Some banks really are too big to jail, Congress was told.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) vented her mind and
feelings Thursday before the bipartisan Senate Banking Committee and demanded answers from top banking regulators questioning as to why the shuttering of financial firms that flout federal anti-money laundering laws or violate international trade sanctions isn’t being considered as an option.

Referring to the penalties leveled against HSBC bank after the company was caught funneling billions in drug money, the Massachusetts Democrat questioned regulators about why they didn’t consider forcing the British bank to
shut down its doors on U.S. soil.

“What does it take?” Warren said. “How many billions of dollars do you have to launder for drug lords?”

Warren questioned why no criminal prosecutions were aimed at HSBC or its employees.  Regulators fined the company $1.9 billion– but no bank officials went to jail nor was the institution penalized beyond the record-breaking fine.  HSBC laundered money for sanctioned countries such as Syria, Cuba, and Iran, Al Qaida and other terrorist networks, drug cartels, and narcotic traffickers for over a decade.

Warren said the scofflaw bank wasn’t being held to the same standard as common Americans.

“If you’re caught with an ounce of cocaine, the chances are good you go to jail.  If you’re caught repeatedly, you can go to jail for life,” Warren told regulators during the Committee hearing.

“Incidentally, if you launder nearly a billion dollars in drug money, your company pays a fine and you go home and sleep in your own bed at night,” she added.

Officials from the Treasury Department, Federal Reserve, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency hesitated to weigh in on when it was appropriate to shut down financial firms.  They said the decision of whether or not to shutter a bank would follow prosecutions by the Department of Justice.

“I’m not going to get into some theoretical line-drawing exercise,” David Cohen, the Treasury’s undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, told Warren.

Federal Reserve Bank Governor Jerome Powell got to the point directly: “I’ll tell you exactly when it’s appropriate to consider pulling a bank’s license,” he said.  ”When there’s a criminal conviction.”

Warren’s attack comes at a sensitive time for the
Obama administration following Attorney General Eric Holder’s admission Wednesday that the size of the biggest banks complicates efforts to hit them with criminal prosecutions. 

“I am concerned that the size of these institutions has become so large that it’s difficult for us to prosecute them.  If we do prosecute — if we do bring a criminal charge — it will have a negative impact on the national economy, perhaps even the
world economy,” Holder told the Senate Judiciary
panel Wednesday.

Holder’s stunning line of thinking poses a direct contradiction to the Democrats’ Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law.  Dodd-Frank is intended to ensure that the collapse of a single firm does not threaten the economy.  The implication of ‘too big too jail’ could also lead to sidestepping criminal charges and prosecution of Wall Street wrongdoings in the future, as well.

The tensions over “too big to jail” hypothesis were further exacerbated during the meeting when Cohen conceded that federal prosecutors had consulted with the Treasury over the potential economic consequences of going after HSBC.

Cohen told the panel that his department declined to provide a summary of the economic impacts because they were impossible to forecast with any certainty.

But the fact that the Justice Department even asked the question left lawmakers fuming, as they wondered whether it revealed that major banks are too big to jail.

Warren’s line of inquiry became a bipartisan chorus between Republicans and Democrats alike.  Several members of her panel took up the line-of-questioning grilling when her time ran out.

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) asked regulators how they would explain to the American people why no HSBC officials faced criminal charges– and whether they had played any role in the Justice Department’s decision not to prosecute the bank or its officials.

Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) was scathing in his critique of the bank regulators.  He mockingly proposed to Warren that they collaborate on a bank that dealt solely with money from drug cartels and terrorists.

“We’d have nothing to fear from the U.S. government,” Kirk sarcastically suggested.

* * * * * * * *

You can read the Sentinel’s previous coverage on HSBC and Senator Elizabeth Warren here and here.

Nude, Drunk, and Combative, Old Habits Die Hard

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On March 7^th at about 7:13 pm, officers with the Eureka Police Department were dispatched to the intersection
of 3rd and M Street for an indecent exposure call.  Officers
were advised that a female was at this location wearing
only a bra.

While officers were responding, they were updated that the
female was now nude.
 
Upon arrival, an officer located the nude female in the roadway.  The female, later identified as Marissa Nichole Carlson, 23-years-old of Eureka, was standing in a rigid manner and displayed objective signs consistent with drug influence.

The officer attempted to speak with Carlson, in an attempt to evaluate her medical and mental condition.  Carlson refused to speak and clenched her fists.

Due to Carlson’s aggressive and irrational behavior, combined with the safety hazard of her standing in the roadway, the officer attempted to detain Carlson.

Carlson struggled with the officer, but was soon detained,
with the assistance of other responding officers.
 
While Carlson was being handcuffed, officers located a hypodermic syringe in her hand. It was later determined that Carlson had the syringe in her fist at the time she was contacted and she had assaulted the officer with it during the struggle.  The officer sustained a needle scratch across his upper shoulder.
 
Carlson was not injured during the struggle; however City Ambulance was summoned to the scene to check for medical issues regarding her drug influence.

She was transported to the St. Joseph Emergency Room for medical clearance for booking into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF).  Carlson was later booked into the HCCF on charges of:

• Assault on a police officer
• Resisting
• Under the influence in public
• And having an active felony warrant for her arrest

Carlson is being held on $100,000 bail.
 
This wasn’t her first time around the block, either.  Ms. Carlson had a remarkably similar run-in previously with the Eureka Police Department about 6 months ago on which the Sentinel reported.  The EPD release at the time stated:

On 9-13-2012 at about 10:56 am, an officer with the Eureka Police Department was traveling eastbound on 5th Street at the 1100 block, when he observed a naked female subject standing on the north curb acting irrationally.

The officer attempted to contact the female to evaluate her medical and mental condition.  The female exhibited objective signs consistent with drug influence.  Other officers responded to assist.

During this contact with the female, she became combative and attempted to assault officers with items covered in bodily fluids.  Officers were able to restrain the female on the ground and City Ambulance was requested to the scene to further assist in evaluating the female’s condition.

While awaiting City Ambulances arrival, the female attempted to thrust her head into the pavement.  Further restraint became required.

Upon the ambulance personnel’s arrival, the female began spitting at the officers and ambulance staff.  One officer and one ambulance staff member were hit by the spit.

Once the female was restrained on a gurney, the female was transported to St. Joseph ER for evaluation and also treatment for minor abrasions from her thrashing about on the pavement.

This is an open case and charges of assault on emergency personnel and resisting arrest will be sought.

Double-Sigh and mercy me.  This young girl needs some intervention in a serious way.

Long familiar to law enforcement over the years, we hope she gets the message, the help, and the rehab counselor she so sorely needs.

Mushrooms, Weed, Hash, and Two Pounds of Meth Seized in Family Bust

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On March 7^th at approximately 9:40 p.m., the Humboldt County Drug Task Force assisted by the Humboldt County
Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and the Eureka
Police Department arrested John Arthur Moreno, age 37 and
from Eureka, for transporting over 2 whopping pounds of crystal
methamphetamine in his vehicle.

After a two month long methamphetamine investigation by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, officers obtained a Humboldt County Superior Court search warrant for Moreno’s vehicle and residence.

Moreno was located traveling southbound US Highway 101 near McKinleyville in his vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop and detained Moreno and his 21-year-old daughter, Amanda Brooke Cranston, the driver of the vehicle.

Officers also served a search warrant at Moreno’s residence, located in the 1800 block West Avenue in Eureka.  Officers located Moreno’s 16-year-old son in the residence by himself.

When officers searched Moreno’s vehicle they located over two pounds of crystal meth concealed in a television in the rear of the vehicle.

The street value of the meth is approximately $80,000 dollars.

When officers searched Moreno’s residence, they found and seized 326 growing marijuana plants ranging in size from 10 inches to 3 feet in height.  Officers seized approximately 3 pounds of dried marijuana and a small amount of marijuana hash.

Officers also located evidence of a butane hash lab in the house.  In addition to the weed and hash, officers seized about ½ of a pound of Psilocybin mushrooms as well as a loaded handgun from the residence.

During their investigation, officers learned that Moreno’s 16-year-old son was making marijuana hash in the residence.  Officers arrested Moreno’s son for cultivation and possession for sales of marijuana.  Mr. Moreno Jr. was transported to the Humboldt County Juvenile Hall.

John Moreno was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for:

• Possession for sales and transportation of methamphetamine
• Felony child endangerment
• Being armed in commission of a felony
• Manufacturing of a butane hash lab

Mr. Moreno’s bail was set at $500,000.

Ms. Cranston, his daughter, was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Jail for Possession for Sales and Transportation of Methamphetamine. Her bail was set at $75,000 dollars.

This investigation is being sent to Humboldt County Child Welfare Services, the HCDTF said in their release, and the case is still under investigation.

* * * * * * * * *

We don’t know where Ms. Moreno was during all the family hoopla.

Crime Reports Throughout Humboldt County

–Scoundrels and Skullduggery Abound–

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Fortuna Traffic Stop Leads to Ecstasy and Weed Bust

On March 5, 2013 at about 11:50 p.m., a Sergeant with the
Fortuna Police Department located a vehicle traveling south-
bound on South Fortuna Boulevard without tail lights.

Mr. Mcintyre

Upon conducting a traffic stop, the Sergeant detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.  The driver, Kaine Mcintyre, age 20, of Arcata, related that he had a medical recommendation for the use of marijuana but alas– it was determined to be expired.

Upon a search of the vehicle, several bags of marijuana packaged for sale were located along with more than 80 tablets of MDMA– also known as Ecstasy. Mcintyre was subsequently taken into custody.

While on scene, the passenger was contacted and identified himself as 18-year-old “Johnny Adams” of Arcata.  Or so the knucklehead said.

During the investigation, officers determined that he was providing a false name and his true name was David Mark Lamb, age 24, of Sonora.  Mr. Lamb was found to have an active “No Bail” felony warrant in Calaveras County for Petty Theft with a prior, Fraud, and Resisting Arrest.

Mr. Mcintyre was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility
on the following charges:

Mr. Lamb

• Health & Safety §11377 – Possession of a controlled substance
• H&S 11359 – Possession of marijuana for sale
• H&S 11360 – Transportation of marijuana
• H&S 11357 – Possession of more than an ounce of marijuana
• H&S 11378 – Possession of a controlled substance for sale
• H&S 11379 – Transportation of a controlled substance
• Penal Code 148(a) – Obstructing / Resisting or delaying a peace officer

Mr. Lamb was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges:

• Penal Code §148.9 – Providing a false name to a peace officer
• No Bail Warrant (Calaveras County)

Fast Feet and Warrants Lands One in the Pokey

On March 5th at approximately 10 in the morning, an officer with the Fortuna Police Department contacted Jacob Hines, age 27, of Fortuna, near the intersection of Ninth and K Street in Fortuna.

Upon advisement that he was being placed under arrest for his outstanding warrants, Hines elected to evade arrest by fleeing the area on foot.

After a search that spanned over two blocks and lasting only a few minutes, the evasive Mr. Hines was located and arrested in a resident’s garage a block away from the initial contact.

Due to the initial contact being in close proximity to the Fortuna Middle School and school officials witnessed the subject flee from officers, staff elected to place the school in lockdown status to ensure the safety of the students.  The lockdown was lifted moments later when Hines was taken into custody for impersonating a dimwit.

Mr. Hines was booked into the Humboldt County Jail on the following charges;

• Warrant: Violation of a Court Order
• Warrant: Grand Theft
• Warrant: Trespassing
• PC 148(a): Resists Police Officer

A Boris in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush

On March 4th, detectives from the Eureka Police Department’s Problem Oriented Policing Unit (POP) conducted narcotic enforcement in the Old Town area of Eureka.

During the operation, Boris Lee Valentine, age 45, was spotted driving a GMC SUV near 4th and ‘N’ streets.  A traffic stop was conducted at 2nd and ‘Q’ streets, resulting in Valentine’s arrest for an outstanding felony warrant.

Valentine had two passengers in his vehicle at the time of his arrest: Selena Ranney, 29, and Casey Hunter, 31.

As a result of the EPD detective’s investigation, Ranney was taken into custody for Possession of a Dirk or Dagger, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Probation Violations.  Hunter was taken into custody for an outstanding warrant, Possession of Heroin, and Possession of Methamphetamine.

We’re unsure exactly where the Probation Officer was during all the excitement.  We think shopping for Tater Tots at Winco.

All three subjects were transported and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility by EPD.

Another Bird in the Hand is Worth Three in the Bush

On March 5th, detectives from the Eureka Police Department’s Problem Oriented Policing Unit (POP) were conducting narcotics enforcement in the 1100 block of 5th St in Eureka.

During their investigation, Dennis Burriesci, age 45, was contacted in the parking lot of a motel at this location.

Burriesci led the detectives back to his room, where three other subjects were contacted.

 As a result of the investigation:

Burriesci was arrested for Possession of Heroin–9 grams– and Probation Violations.  His Probation Officer was AWOL during the arrest, chowing down some fiery kung pao chicken chow mein at China Buffet.

Thomas Applewhite, age 18, was arrested for Possession of Heroin (3 grams), Illegal Possession of Prescription Medication, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana.

Michael Plowright, 49, and Brandy Tritchler, 31, were both arrested for outstanding warrants.

All four subjects were transported and booked into the Humboldt Hilton Salmon Slammer for the above listed charges.

Anyone with information concerning suspected drug activity, or other nuisances occurring in the City of Eureka is encouraged to call the
Problem Oriented Policing Unit at (707) 441-4373.

Speedball on Two Wheels

On March 4th at about 1:10 pm, detectives from the Eureka Police Department’s Problem Oriented Policing Unit (POP) were conducting narcotic enforcement in the Old Town area of Eureka.  During the investigation, Cynthia Sue Bryson was spotted riding a bicycle– her war pony– near 3rd and ‘L’ streets.

An enforcement stop was conducted on Bryson, age 41, who is on probation.  During a search of Bryson, detectives located 5.4 grams of heroin, .4 grams of methamphetamine, and a digital gram scale.

Ms. Bryson was taken into custody and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for Possession of Heroin for Sale, Possession of Methamphetamine and Transportation of Narcotics.

We don’t know what happened to her trusty heroin steed– or the Probation Officer nodding off in a comfy chair with the phone on hold. 

Scoundrels and Drug Skullduggery

On March 6th, at about 9:39 AM, an officer with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) on uniformed patrol saw a male and female walking together on the 200 block of West Grant Street.

The officer recognized the female, Heather Irene Fontaine, from numerous prior contacts with her.  Truth be told, everyone knows Heather.

The officer stopped to speak with the subjects.

As the officer exited his patrol car, the male subject walked behind a nearby parked van in an apparent attempt to conceal contraband from him.  The officer heard the sound of an object striking the pavement.

When the officer approached the male, later identified as Steven Michael Ridley, he saw a small circular case in a puddle of water on the asphalt beside the van’s rear tire.  When asked if he had just dropped something, Ridley replied that he’d just found the item and didn’t know what it was.

While the officer was speaking with Ridley, Fontaine stated she had warrants.  Fontaine and Ridley were subsequently detained by officers.  A records check confirmed Fontaine had multiple warrants for her arrest.  Ridley was also on formal probation with search and seizure conditions.

Inside the case Ridley had discarded, officers located 10 ½ grams of crystal methamphetamine.  A digital gram scale was also found on top of one of the van’s tires.

During a search of Ridley’s person, officers located a large fixed blade knife which was completely concealed under his clothing.

Mr. Ridley, age 27 of Eureka, was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked for possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a concealed dirk or dagger, and probation violation.  His Probation Officer was nowhere to be found at the time of his search, seizure, and arrest.  This isn’t unusual.  We suspect he was having a bagel with a schmeer in the company break room.  That’s usual.

A familiar face to both police and the resident junkies, Ms. Fontaine, age 28 of Eureka, was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked for her 8 misdemeanor and felony warrants.

Always at death’s doorstep and datin’ Satan, we hope Ms. Fontaine will dry out with three hots and a cot for a few weeks or more.

Stolen Property Recovered; Arrest Made by HCSO

On 03-04-2013, approximately 4:45 p.m., deputies contacted Travis J. Sovereign, 35-years-old, at his residence in the 1000 block of M street, Eureka.

Deputies conducted a parole search of his residence and located some of the stolen property taken in a West End Road burglary.  Deputies also responded to another residence in the 1600 block of 2nd street, Eureka after learning property may be located there.

Between the two locations deputies recovered approximately twenty bottles of fine wine, serving pitchers, collectible baskets, a lap top computer, several
collectible vinyl records, coats, jackets, collectible figurines
and silverware which were stolen from the West End Road
residence.

Deputies also recovered twelve fishing poles that had been reported stolen from an unrelated burglary that occurred in Blue Lake.

Mr. Sovereign was arrested for possession of stolen property and parole violation.  We have no idea where his Parole Agent was when all this went down.  We think in the Safeway bakery aisle looking for sticky buns with pecans.

Mr. Sovereign was unceremoniously transported and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he is being held without bail.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office.  This is an ongoing investigation with additional property missing.  Additional suspects are waiting to be identified and duly fingered, the HCSO said.

Alleged Burglar Sought in Arcata

On March 5th, investigators from the Arcata Police Department received information regarding the identity of an individual believed to be responsible for numerous burglaries in the Sunny Brae area over the past months.

Through the course of the investigation, 36-year-old Timothy Dickinson of Arcata was identified by witnesses as burglarizing a home in Sunny Brae.

Dickinson’s vehicle, a 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada– Ca Lic # 6MKD992– has been identified by additional witnesses.

It appears his vehicle has been seen leaving the scene of several burglaries.

A search warrant was served at Dickinson’s residence, but Dickinson has not been located.  Local law enforcement agencies have been alerted and are on the lookout for Dickinson, APD said.

The neighbors are pissed.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Dickinson is encouraged to call the Arcata Police Department (707)822-2428.

* * * * * * *

We’re finding that old criminals never really die, they just steal away.