Humboldt CO. Drug Task Force Press Release:

On 08-13-2012 at about 0830 hours the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office assisted by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force served 3 search warrants that are all part of the same criminal organization. The search warrants were the results of a three month long investigation.

The first search warrant was served at a residence located in the 1300 block of Bel Nor Road, McKinleyville. Officers seized 80 indoor marijuana plants and one handgun. Officers contacted two subjects at this location. An arrest warrant will be sought through the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for their arrest for possession for sales of marijuana.

The second search warrant was served at a barn type structure located in the 1800 block of Henry Lane, McKinleyville. At this location officers located a sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation in the barn. Officers seized 559 growing marijuana plants that ranged in size from 6 inches to 4 feet in height. Officers seized one hand gun and a rifle. Officers arrested three subjects at the scene. Katie Ann Simas age 27 was arrested for child endangerment, being armed in commission of a felony and for possession for sales of marijuana. Katie was living inside of the barn structure in an apartment that was constructed in the barn with her two daughters age 2 and 4. Humboldt County Child Welfare Service responded to the scene and placed Simas’s two children with a relative. Officers located $5,000 dollars in cash in Simas’s apartment that was seized for possible asset forfeiture.

Kyle Lloyd Black age 29, who is the father of the two children, was arrested at the scene for child endangerment, being armed in commission of a felony and possession for sales of marijuana. Nathaniel Liam Vincent age 33 was arrested at the scene for possession of marijuana for sales. Vicent had approximately $ 4,600 dollars in cash on his person that was seized for possible asset forfeiture.

Officers noticed a possible electrical fire hazard with the indoor marijuana growing operation and they contacted Humboldt County Building and Planning Department, who responded to the scene. Humboldt County Building and Planning Department after inspecting the electrical wiring contacted PG&E to have the electrical power disconnected to the residence, because of the possible fire hazard.

All three suspects were transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and their bail was set at $25,000 dollars each.

Officers served the third search warrant at a parcel of property located in the Boulder Creek area off Highway 299. Officers located several greenhouses on the property that contained growing marijuana plants. Officers seized 598 marijuana plants that range in size from 3 feet to 5 feet in height. Officers seized one shotgun from a cabin on the property. Officers did not locate any subjects on the property.

This case is still under investigation.