Humboldt County Drug Task Force press release:

For the past few weeks the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) has been conducting an investigation into Jacob Silverman AKA: “High Five” (46 years old from Ukiah) for trafficking fentanyl into Humboldt County and selling fentanyl out of Garberville area hotels. Agents had information that Silverman uses follow cars with co-conspirators to carry his drugs. Silverman had two active felony warrants for his arrest out of Mendocino County for 2800.2 VC (felony evading) and 12022 PC (armed with a firearm during commission of a felony).

In the early morning hours of Friday April 22nd, 2022 HCDTF Agents observed Silverman drive into Humboldt County. Agents observed a second vehicle was following Silverman closely and it appeared to be working in tandem with him. Agents followed both vehicles until they stopped in the back driveway of a hotel in the 700 block of Redwood Dr. in Garberville.

Agents quickly identified Humboldt County resident Maxwell Elliot (26 years old from Rio Dell) in the follow car. Agents knew that Elliot had three active felony warrants in Humboldt County for 11378 H&S (possession of methamphetamine for sale), 10851 VC (auto theft), and 2800.2 VC (felony evading). Agents placed Elliot under arrest for his warrants without issue. Elliot was found to be in possession of 22 grams of methamphetamine.

Elliot was transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked for the following charges:

• 11378 H&S Possession of methamphetamine for sale
• Warrants 3 felony warrants

During the jail booking process jail staff located 31 grams of fentanyl hidden inside a body cavity on Elliot’s person. Agents added charges of 11351 H&S (possession of fentanyl for sale) and 4573 PC (bringing drugs into a jail).

Agents attempted to arrest Silverman however he drove in reverse through the parking lot in an attempt to get away from the agents. Silverman ended up blocked in the parking lot of the hotel and he refused commands to show agents his hands. Silverman continually reached under his driver’s seat and would not follow commands.

HCDTF Agents called for assistance and officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and deputies from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) arrived on scene. Agents gave commands to Silverman for approx. 10 minutes before he finally complied, exited the vehicle, and surrendered to arrest without issue.

Silverman was transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked for the following charges:

• Warrants: 2 felony warrants
• 148(a)(1) PC Obstructing or resisting a police officer

HCDTF would like to thank the California Highway Patrol and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this investigation. 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.