Humboldt County Drug Task Force release:


Mr. Bean | HCDTF

During the month of July 2023, Agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force received information that Riley Wilson Bean (Age 29) was selling narcotics in the Eureka area of Humboldt County. Bean was on felony probation for selling narcotics and had a felony warrant for his arrest. 

On July 25th, 2023, Agents with the HCDTF were able to locate Bean in a public area. Bean was accompanied by another individual who was identified as Matthew Robert Williams (Age 31). HCDTF Agents were able to identify Williams from previous contacts and investigations. Williams was also on felony probation for trafficking narcotics and was currently out on bail from a recent arrest. 

Mr. Williams | HCDTF

HCDTF Agents surveilled Bean and Williams as they traveled through the Broadway area of Eureka. Agents observed that Williams and Bean appeared to be making “hand to hand” drug sales with the people they encountered. 

Bean and Williams responded to a large parking lot of a business located in the 600 Block of Harris St. in Eureka. Upon their arrival, Bean entered a vehicle that was occupied by two additional subjects, while Williams stayed on foot in the area. At this time HCDTF Agents and Officers with the Eureka Police Department moved in and surrounded the vehicle that Bean was inside of. Bean was detained without incident.  

As Bean was being detained, Williams fled on foot eastbound towards Spring Street. HCDTF Agents pursued Williams on foot where they eventually caught up to him in the 3000 block of Albee Street. Williams physically resisted as the Agents attempted to place him under arrest. After a short struggle, Williams was placed in handcuffs and secured in the back of an EPD patrol vehicle. 

Once the scene was secure, EPD Sergeant Nantz and his K9 partner Bohdi conducted an “open air sniff” where Bean was located inside of the vehicle. K9 Bohdi alerted to the back seat of the vehicle where Bean was sitting, indicating drugs and/or firearms were present.  HCDTF Agents searched the area that Bean was seated in the vehicle and located ¼ pound of fentanyl, 550 Xanax bars, 10 grams of heroin, 10 grams of methamphetamine, packaging materials, and a digital scale. 

EPD Officer Jones and his K9 partner Bolo conducted an “open air sniff” on Williams’ vehicle. K9 Bolo alerted near the front of Williams’ vehicle indicating that drugs and/or firearms were present. HCDTF Agents searched the vehicle and located an additional 10 grams of heroin. 

Bean was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked for the following charges: 

  • 11375(B)(1) HS - Possession of a designated controlled substance fore sales 
  •  1203.2 (A) - PRCS Violation
  • Felony Warrant 

Williams was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked for the following charges: 

  • 11350 HS - Possession of narcotics
  • 148(a)(1) PC - Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer
  • 1203.2 PC - Probation violation
  • 466 PC - Possession of burglary tools

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.