As a result of a three month long investigation Special
Agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force learned there was a vehicle
traveling to Humboldt County from the Bakersfield area transporting a
significant quantity of methamphetamine.
Agents secured a
search warrant for the vehicle and all of its occupants. On 03-17-17 at about 0445 hours Agents
spotted the vehicle traveling north bound Hwy 101 near Cooks Valley. With assistance from the Humboldt County
Sheriff’s Office, Special Agents conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the
vehicle near Benbow Drive and Hwy 101.
Once the vehicle
was stopped Agents were able to determine the vehicle was being driven by 48
year old Joseph Garner. They identified
the front passenger as 34 year old James Johnson and the rear passenger as the
registered owner of the vehicle, 49 year old Kathy Ham. All three subjects are from the Bakersfield
area.
After detaining
all three subjects, one of the Sheriff’s Office narcotics detection K-9 was
deployed and searched the vehicle. The
K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in the trunk and underneath the
passenger seat. A subsequent search by
Agents located approximately 2 pounds of suspected methamphetamine (estimated
street value $14,000) along with a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and other
indications of sales.
As a result of
this investigation Kathy was arrested for possession of a controlled substance
for sale and transportation of a controlled substance. Joseph was arrested for possession of a
controlled substance for sale, transportation of a controlled substance and
being a felon in possession of a firearm.
James was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sale. All three were transported to the Humboldt
County Correctional Facility where they were booked and housed for the above
listed charges.
This
investigation is ongoing and future arrest are anticipated. Anyone with information related to this
investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the
Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-444-8095 or the Humboldt County
Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 707-268-2539.
Kathy Ham (above)
Joseph Garner (above)
James Johnson (above)
