A local biologist pleaded guilty today to a single federal count of conspiring to embezzle funds from an Indian tribal organization stemming from the bilking of nearly $1 million in federal funds from the Yurok Tribe over a three-year period beginning in 2007, tribal spokesman Matt Mais confirmed. According to court documents, Mad River Biologists […]
Crime
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Updated: Friendly Fire: Police Association in Dispute with City
Fortuna police officers seem to be experiencing some growing unfriendly feelings toward their city. Charles Ellebrecht, a sergeant with the department and president of the Fortuna Police Employees Association, took the podium during the public comment period of Monday’s council meeting and aired a grievance that it appears has long been simmering behind closed doors. […]
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UPDATE(S): Deal Struck in Crabs Manager Marijuana Case
SECOND UPDATE: A press release on the Crabs website says Nutter had been considering leaving the team for two years, and made the decision now to be with his family. From the release: Nutter explained that after a discussion with his family, he decided after 23 years with the Crabs organization that this was a […]
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4th Amendment Rights and SCOTUS SWAG
When the United States Supreme Court took up the only criminal case on its calendar this year, a local attorney was at counsel table. Arcata attorney Jeffrey Schwartz — husband to the North Coast Journal’s Media Maven, Marcy Burstiner — didn’t argue the petitioner’s case, but was asked to sit in and advise by appellate […]
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Billboard Butcher Caught on Camera!
The image of the vandal responsible for the third billboard toppling this month was captured earlier this week on a camera installed by a now thrice-bitten local sign management company. Peeved by the nighttime saw-wielding maniac’s previous crimes and anticipating further demolition, All Points Signs installed infrared wildlife cameras on a sign west of Highway 101 […]
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Bullock Will Stand Trial for Murder of Eric Freed
A Humboldt County judge ruled today there was enough evidence to hold Gary Lee Bullock to answer for the torture and murder of St. Bernard’s Pastor Eric Freed on New Year’s Day. Bullock will be held to answer for vehicle theft and attempted arson charges as well, stemming from an alleged attempt to burn Freed’s […]
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EPD’s Harpham calls it a career after 56 years
Today, for the first time in 56 years, Eureka Police officers took to the streets without Murl Harpham in their ranks. “It’s really the end of an era for the department,” said Mayor Frank Jager, marveling at Harpham’s career, which spanned six decades and saw him fill in as the department’s chief on four separate […]
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Old Town businesses relieved suspect in custody
Old Town businesses are breathing a little easier after Eureka Police reported arresting a woman Tuesday night they believe may be responsible for a string of robberies. “My hope is that the rough start to 2014 is coming to a close and we can all move forward in more positive ways from here,” said Astra […]
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Former Yurok Official Sentenced in Embezzlement Case
Former Yurok Tribe Forestry Director Roland Raymond was sentenced to serve three years in federal prison today for his role in an embezzlement scheme that bilked nearly $1 million in federal funds from the tribe. Raymond, 50, faced a maximum of five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a single count of conspiring […]
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Billboard Butcher Strikes Again
A second safety corridor billboard fell today at the hands of a nefarious, saw-wielding advertisement adversary. The nearly 30 billboards lining Highway 101 have been a source of displeasure and controversy for some Humboldt residents for years. Bay views — enjoyed while zipping down the highway in climate controlled automobiles — are spoiled by the loathsome […]
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Killing in Trinidad
A 24-year-old man was killed in a Trinidad trailer park overnight following reports of people yelling. Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Hidden Creek Trailer Park around 3 a.m. and found the victim, who has not yet been named. Around 10 this morning, detectives arrested 33-year-old Trinidad resident Larry Clinton Morrow on suspicion of homicide. Officials […]