Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On March 5 around 11:30 p.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a probation search of a residence on the 1700 block of Murray Rd. in McKinleyville. Upon arrival, the deputy contacted the two residents, Joseph Vecchetti, 37, of McKinleyville and Lynzee Strange, 23, of Piercy.

The deputy confirmed Vecchetti to be on felony probation and conducted a search of the residence pursuant to the probation terms. The search revealed 7.5lb of processed marijuana, 6.56g of methamphetamine, 2.35g of fentanyl, and bear mace. The deputy observed a pipe dumping wastewater and sewage from the residence into a small active water stream. The search also revealed a motorcycle registered to Vecchetti with false tags affixed to the license plate. 

Vecchetti was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked for the following charges:

  • Possession of a controlled substance—HS 11377(a)
  • Possession of unlawful paraphernalia—HS 11364(a)
  • Unlawful possession/use of tear gas—PC 22810(a)
  • Possession of over 1oz. of marijuana—HS 11357(a)
  • Possession of a controlled substance with two or more priors—HS 11395(b)(1)
  • Litter/dump waste in water/shore—PC 374.7(a)
  • Rearrest/revoke probation—PC 1203.2(a)
  • Forge/alter vehicle registration—VC 4462

Strange was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked for the following charges:

  • Possession of unlawful paraphernalia—HS 11364(a)
  • Possession of a controlled substance—HS 11350(a)
  • Litter/dump waste in water/shore—PC374.7(a)

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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