Gregory Esskew (left), Kurtis Mann (right). Guns and weed seized from the vehicle (middle) Photos provided by HCSO.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release:

On Saturday, September 23, 2017 at about 8:09 a.m. Humboldt County Sheriff Deputies spoke with a resident in Dinsmore who reported the theft of numerous marijuana plants. The victim noticed a vehicle parked in the area during the time of the theft and was able to record the license plate.

Based on additional investigative leads, deputies responded to a residence on Thelma Avenue in Fortuna where they located the vehicle in question. With the assistance of officers from the Fortuna Police Department and Fish &Wildlife, two subjects were detained on scene.  A search of the vehicle revealed numerous freshly cut marijuana plants believed to be that of the victims’.  Deputies also located a camouflaged Benelli 12 gauge shotgun, Savage Arms 7mm Rifle, and an AK-47 with a high capacity magazine in the trunk.

Gregory Esskew was arrested for PC 487- Grand Theft,  PC 182(a)(1)- Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, PC 12022(a)(1) – Armed while in commission of a Felony,  PC 30605- Possession of an Assault Rifle, andPC 32310- Possession of a large capacity magazine.

Kurtis Mann was arrested for PC 487- Grand Theft, PC 182(a)(1)- Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, and PC 12022(a)(1)- Armed while in Commission of a Felony.

Both Esskew and Mann were transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where their bail has been set at $85,000.

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.
William Honsal, Sheriff