The following is a press release from the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office:

Today a Humboldt County jury found Jessie Matthew Herrera guilty of possession of a firearm by a felon and unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.

These crimes were discovered on the morning of Saturday February 3, 2018, when Eureka Police Department Officer Jonathan Eckert stopped a car traveling the wrong direction on the one-way section of Allard Avenue. During the traffic stop, Officer Eckert noted an open container of alcohol on the floorboard and requested warrant checks on both the driver and the passenger (Mr. Herrera). 

Officer Eckert learned Mr. Herrera had outstanding warrants out of Stockton and arrested him for those warrants. The driver was on probation with search terms, so Officer Eckert conducted a search of the vehicle. He found a firearm and ammunition in the glove compartment directly in front of the defendant. Following Officer Eckert informing the defendant of his Miranda rights, he admitted ownership of the firearm and ammunition.

Because the defendant has a “strike” prior conviction for robbery with infliction of great bodily injury, he faces a maximum sentence of 7 years 4 months in prison for today’s convictions. Sentencing is scheduled for August 16, 2018 before Judge Kaleb Cockrum who was the trial judge. 

Deputy District Attorney Joel Buckingham prosecuted the case; Deputy Public Defender Joe Judge represented the defendant. The District Attorney’s Office appreciates Officer Eckert’s effective police-work.