###

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On September 7, 2026, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Problem Oriented Policing (P.O.P.) Team conducted a probation search at a residence in the 1900 block of J Street in Eureka. The search was part of an ongoing investigation into suspected drug activity at the residence, which stemmed from numerous community complaints regarding suspicious activity.

Upon arrival, deputies contacted 35-year-old Raymond Payton, 38-year-old Ryan Deal, and 40-year-old Jeanne German, all of Eureka, inside the residence.

During the search, deputies located and seized approximately 7.07 ounces of fentanyl, 3.62 ounces of methamphetamine, 12.39 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, one bottle of liquid codeine, a loaded pistol, packaging materials, scales, and $2,773 in U.S. currency, which is being held pending asset forfeiture proceedings.

Payton was identified as an active gang member, and deputies also located gang indicia in his possession. Payton was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges:

• HS 11351 – Possession of a controlled substance for sale
• HS 11378 – Possession of a controlled substance for sale
• HS 11366 – Maintaining a drug house
• PC 29800(a)(1) – Felon in possession of a firearm
• PC 1203.2 – Violation of probation
  

Additional charges related to Payton’s alleged gang affiliation will be submitted to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for consideration.

Deal and German were issued citations on related charges and released at the scene.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or related criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip Line at (707) 268-2539.

Receive HCSO news straight to your phone or email. Subscribe to news alerts at humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.