… but CARE abuse is implicated again. From the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

On 04-04-2012 at approximately 1:30 pm the Humboldt County Drug Task Force conducted a probation search at John Matthews Armstrong’s residence located in the 2000 block of Bigham Court, Eureka. Armstrong is on felony probation out of the State of Arizona for a marijuana related charge with a search and seizure clause.

When officers searched the residence they located a sophisticated, commercial indoor marijuana growing operation in the garage. Officers located 60 growing marijuana plants in the garage that were about 3’ to 4’ in height. The marijuana plants were growing underneath 14- 1000 watt light bulbs. Officers noticed a possible fire hazard with the electrical wiring from the indoor marijuana growing operation. Officers contacted Humboldt County Building and Planning Department, who responded to the scene. Humboldt County Building and Planning Department contacted PG&E to remove the electrical service to the residence, because of a possible fire hazard from the indoor marijuana growing operation. 

Officers located about 9 pounds of processed marijuana in the residence and $1,200 dollars in cash. Officers located a loaded .25 caliber handgun in Armstrong’s bedroom dresser. During the interview with Armstrong he told officers that he was on the PG&E care program for his electrical bill. Armstrong age 38 was arrested for cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sales, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and for being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition. Armstrong was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the listed charges. Armstrong’s bail was set at $75,000 dollars.

Armstrong was living at the residence with his girlfriend and her three children ages, 11, 8 and 7. Humboldt County CWS was contacted and responded to the scene to investigate the living conditions of the three minor children. This case is still under investigation by CWS and the Humboldt County Drug Task Force.