Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Oct. 11, 2025, at approximately 5:04 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a welfare check in the 800 block of Mad River Road following reports of an intoxicated adult female walking in the road with two small children. 

Deputies arrived at the scene and located the woman, later identified as 38-year-old Mary Elizabeth Miller, along with three children.   

During their investigation, deputies learned that Miller and her children gone to a local pumpkin patch where witnesses reported she was drinking alcoholic beverages while at the event. Upon leaving the event on foot she was observed falling down several times while holding one of the children. One of the children had visible injuries that did not require immediate medical attention.  

Child Welfare Services (CWS) was notified. Following their contact with the children’s father, the children were safely released into his custody.

Based on their investigation and witnesses’ statements, deputies arrested Miller and transported to her to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

She was booked on the following charges:

• P.C. 273d(a)– Child Abuse (Infliction of corporal punishment or injury)
• P.C. 273a(a)– Child Endangerment
• P.C. 647(f) – Public Intoxication

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.