From the Humboldt County Drug Task Force

On November 8th, 2021, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a residence in Weitchpec for the report of a 46-year-old female found deceased inside her home. Evidence located on scene led deputies to believe the cause of death was a fentanyl overdose. In late November the toxicology results returned and confirmed the cause of death as a fentanyl overdose. The Humboldt County Drug Task Force was contacted and initiated an investigation into the source of fentanyl.

The HCDTF wrote three search warrants as part of this investigation and obtained evidence identifying James Charles Williamson II (30 years old from Hoopa) as the suspect who sold fentanyl to the decedent prior to the overdose. Williamson already had four active arrest warrants in Humboldt County.

On December 20th, 2021, HCDTF with the assistance of the HCSO served a search warrant at Williamson’s residence in the 100 block of Boozer Ln. in Hoopa. Agents located Williamson hiding inside a closet in the back of the house. Williamson was arrested without incident. Agents located additional evidence connecting Williamson to the fentanyl overdose investigation.

Williamson was transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked for his four warrants as well as the following charges:

• 192 PC Manslaughter

• 11351 H&S Possession of fentanyl for sale

• 11352 H&S Transportation of fentanyl for sale

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.