Chelsha S. Kirby top

Justin E. Kirby bottom

Humboldt Co. Drug Task Force:

On 09-12-2012 at about 0930 hours the Humboldt County Drug Task Force assisted by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at a residence located in the 1100 Block of Boss Road, McKinleyville. Agents detained two subjects at the residence, who they identified as Chelsha S. Kirby age 38 and her ex-husband, Justin E. Kirby age 37. Chelsha’s 10 year old daughter lived with her at the residence but was at school when the search warrant was served.

Agents located an indoor marijuana growing operation in the garage which was attached to the house. Agents seized 108 growing marijuana plants that were about 12 inches tall. Agents located about one pound of dried processed marijuana in the residence.

Agents noticed a possible fire hazard with the electrical wiring from the indoor marijuana growing operation. Agents then contacted Humboldt County Building and Planning Department who responded to the scene. After inspecting the electrical wiring, Humboldt County Building and Planning Department determined that there was a fire hazard. PG&E was then contacted to have the electrical service turned off to the residence.

Agents arrested both Chelsha and Justin Kirby for cultivation and possession for sales of marijuana and for child endangerment. They were both transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and their bail was set at $50,000 dollars each.

Humboldt County Child Welfare Services was contacted and placed the 10 year old daughter at a relative’s house.