Humboldt County Drug Task Force press release: 

On July 23rd, 2019, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Special Agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, with the assistance of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1000 block of Eel River Drive, Fortuna. During their multi-week investigation, agents received information that the owner of the vehicle, James Christian Bauer (age 43), is distributing narcotics throughout Humboldt County. Agents also secured a search warrant for Bauer’s residence located in the 500 block of Herrick Avenue, Eureka.

During the traffic stop, Bauer was detained without incident. Agents searched Bauer’s vehicle and located over an ounce of suspected methamphetamine in the rear cargo area. Bauer was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

Agents then served the search warrant at Bauer’s residence and located the following items:

• Approximately 1.5 pounds of suspected methamphetamine
• Three unregistered firearms
• Numerous substances and pills including DMT and MDMA
• Digital scales and packaging materials

Bauer was booked for transportation and possession of controlled substances for sales, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a suspended license, weapons violations, and violation of probation. Pursuant to PC 1275, Bauer will be held in custody until he can provide proof of legitimate bail funds.

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976 or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 707-268-2539.