Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Nov. 28, 2020, at about 4:15 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies on patrol in the Loleta area conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Montgomery Street and Eel River Drive.

Deputies contacted the female driver, who was found to be on active probation with a search clause. While speaking with the driver, deputies observed cannabis in plain view inside the vehicle. Deputies conducted a weapons search of the driver and male passenger, 52-year-old Dennis Michael Burriesci, prior to searching the vehicle. During the search of Burriesci, deputies located a loaded firearm and learned that Burriesci is a felon restricted from possessing a firearm.

Burriesci was placed under arrest and further searched for illicit materials. During that search, deputies located two small bags of heroin, a small bag of methamphetamine, two bags of prescription pills, syringes and a large amount of cash.

During their investigation, deputies also located drug paraphernalia and psychedelic mushrooms.

Burriesci was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of convicted felon in possession of a firearm (PC 29800(a)), person prohibited in possession of ammunition (PC 30305(a)), possession of a controlled substance while armed (HS 11370.1(a)), possession of a narcotic controlled substance (HS 11350) and possession of a controlled substance (HS 11377(a)).

The driver was released at the scene.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.