Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

Steele.

On August 26, 2024, Agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force served a search warrant on Richard James Steele (age 38), and his residence located in 2100 block of McKinleyville Ave. in McKinleyville. During the months of July and August, the HCDTF received information that Steele was using controlled substances, and he was in possession of several assault weapons. Steele is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Upon HCDTF’s arrival at Steele’s residence, he was detained in the driveway without incident. During the search of Steele’s residence, Agents located approximately 3 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. During the course of the investigation, Steele informed Agents that he had a storage unit located in the 2300 block of Central Ave. in McKinleyville. Steele advised Agents that he had several firearms inside of the storage unit. Steele signed a consent to search form for the storage unit and Agents responded to the storage facility.

Upon accessing the storage unit, Agents located a non-serialized AR-15 short-barreled rifle (SBR), an AK-47 assault rifle, a Kriss Vector .45 caliber firearm, a non-serialized 40 caliber handgun with a threaded barrel, level 4 body armor, and ammunition.

At the conclusion of the search warrant, Steele was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on the following charges:

• 29800(a)(1): PC Felon in possession of a firearm
• 33215 PC: Possession of sawed-off shotgun/short-barreled rifle
• 30605 PC: Possession of an assault weapon
• 24610 PC: Possession of an undetectable firearm
• 31360(b)(1): Felon in possession of body armor
• 11377(a) HS: Possession of a controlled substance
• 11364(a) HS: Possession of drug paraphernalia

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.