Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

On Jan. 28th, 2026, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Problem Oriented Policing (HSCO POP) team assisted by the HCSO Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) and the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) served a search warrant in the Redway area after a month-long investigation into the distribution of Fentanyl.

The search warrant was served on 33-year-old William Branscomb, 36-year-old Eva Markowitz and their associated residence located in Redway. Upon service of the search warrant, deputies located one ounce of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia and items consistent with drug sales.  

At the conclusion of the investigation, Branscomb and Markowitz were booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for the following charges: 

• HS 11366.5 – Knowingly owning property for drug manufacture, storage, or distribution

• HS 11351 – Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of sales

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to addressing narcotic related crimes and improving public safety through proactive enforcement and community partnerships.

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other drug related activity or problems areas related to criminal activity are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Tip line at (707) 268-2539.