From the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

On December 28th, 2018, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Special Agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, with the assistance of narcotic detection K9 from the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, served a search warrant at a residence located in the 2400 block of 18th Street, Eureka. In addition to numerous complaints of suspected drug activity at this residence, agents previously received information that Chad Eric Sunderland (age 41) was involved in narcotics distribution, including the sales of methamphetamine and heroin.

Upon arrival, agents observed Sunderland attempt to flee on foot towards the side yard of the property. After a brief foot pursuit Sunderland was detained without further incident.

Sunderland

Inside the residence agents also contacted Howard Matthew Wease (age 29) and Katie Ann Simas (age 33) who were both detained without incident. During the search of the residence agents seized the following items: Approximately 362 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 322 grams of suspected heroin, miscellaneous packaging materials, and dozens of hypodermic needles. Agents also located a sawed off shotgun, an AR-15 style rifle with homemade silencer, and a handgun that was reported stolen out of the City of Eureka. In addition, just over $3,200 in US currency was seized which is believed to be profits from illegal drug sales. This currency will be held pending asset forfeiture proceedings.

Wease

All three subjects were placed under arrest and subsequently transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges:

Sunderland – Possession of a controlled substance for sales, felon in possession of firearms, possession of an illegal short-barreled shotgun, and possession of a firearm silencer.

Wease – Possession of an illegal short-barreled shotgun, felon in possession of a firearm, and an outstanding felony warrant.

Simas – Possession of controlled substances and outstanding narcotics warrants.

Simas

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are 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.