Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:


On March 1, 2024, at about 8:50 p.m., deputies from Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 100 block of Main St. in Scotia for the report of a male subject who was reportedly loitering and making odd comments to a local business owner.

Upon arrival, deputies located the male subject in the area of Church Street. He was identified as Rio Dell resident, 50-year-old James Jones. He was advised of the complaint and asked to leave the area.

On March 2, at about 8:21 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Communication Center received a call from the same business owner who was reporting the subject had returned and was loitering outside the business again. Jones left the area prior to the deputies’ arrival. The deputies contacted the business owner and provided her information on how to obtain a restraining order.

On March 3, at about 6:18 p.m., HCSO dispatch received another call from the same business owner stating that Jones had returned to her business and was in the parking lot waiting for her. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, dispatch advised the caller was at her residence and she did not feel comfortable going to the business with him there. A few minutes later HCSO dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from her stating Jones was standing outside her residence.

Upon arrival, deputies contacted Jones in the 100 block of Main Street. After further investigation Jones was taken into custody for stalking, possession of a switchblade knife and possession of methamphetamine.

James Jones was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked for (PC 646.9(A)) Stalking, (PC 21510(A)) Possession of a switchblade knife and (HS 11377(A)) Possession of a controlled substance.

This case is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

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