Humboldt County Drug Task Force press release: 

In October of 2021 agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) initiated an investigation into suspected methamphetamine sales by Richard Konopacki (42 years old- Fortuna). During the first week of October an undercover agent from the HCDTF contacted Konopacki by cell phone and ordered one ounce of methamphetamine. Konopacki met the agent in a parking lot in the 700 block of Fortuna Blvd. and sold the undercover agent the ounce of methamphetamine.

During the second week of October the undercover agent called Konopacki and ordered two ounces of methamphetamine. Konopacki met with the agent in the parking lot of a gas station on Bear Paws Way in Loleta. The agent gave Konopacki the money and Konopacki then got into a vehicle with his source, Jonathan Saitta (42 years old- Ferndale) and purchased the two ounces of methamphetamine. Konopacki then exited the vehicle and gave the two ounces of methamphetamine to the undercover agent.

On October 14th , 2021 HCDTF Agents with the assistance of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and the Eureka Police Department Problem Oriented Policing Team (POP) conducted a buy/bust operation. The undercover agent called Konopacki and then they met in a gas station parking lot in the 500 block of Fernbridge Dr. The agent provided Konopacki money for ¼ pound of methamphetamine. Konopacki drove over Fernbridge and met Saitta in a gravel parking lot on the west side of Fernbridge. Konopacki provided Saitta the money and Saitta gave him ¼ pound of methamphetamine. Officers from the HCSO and EPD POP moved in and arrested Konopacki and Saitta. Agents recovered the methamphetamine and the money provided by the undercover agent.

HCDTF Agents served a search warrant on Saitta’s residence in the 4800 block of Grizzley Bluff Rd. in Ferndale. Agents located an additional ½ pound of methamphetamine along with 6 firearms and $4,400 in US Currency. Agents also located a BHO Lab inside the residence.

Konopacki was booked at the Humboldt County Jail for the following charges:

• H&S 11377 Felony possession of methamphetamine by a registered sex offender
• H&S 11378 3 counts of possession/sales of methamphetamine
• H&S 11379 2 counts of transportation of methamphetamine for sale
  

Saitta was booked at the Humboldt County Jail for the following charges:

• H&S 11370.1 Possession of controlled substance while armed
• H&S 11378 Possession of methamphetamine for sale
• H&S 11379 Transportation of methamphetamine for sale
• PC 30605(a) Illegal possession of an assault weapon
• H&S 11379.6 Manufacturing a controlled substance
  

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.