Redwood Empire News

On January 11, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff's deputies conducted an investigation of a vehicle on Lucky Star Court in McKinleyville. The driver, Robert Huntzinger, 43, from McKinleyville, was on summary probation for unlawful possession of a controlled substance with a search clause.

The Emergency Communications Dispatch Center confirmed Huntzinger's probation status and that he was required to obey all laws. Deputies noticed Huntzinger carrying a knife and detained him for safety reasons as it was unclear if he had other weapons.

During a search aligned with his probation terms, deputies found aluminum foil containing fentanyl and a substantial amount of cash in Huntzinger's pockets. A further search of his vehicle uncovered additional cash, baggies containing fentanyl, two cell phones, a digital scale, and various drug paraphernalia.

Huntzinger was subsequently arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on several charges: possession for sale of a controlled substance (HS 11351), transportation/sale of a controlled substance (HS 11352(a)), violation of probation (PC 1203.2(a)(2)), possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (HS 11364), and possession of a controlled substance (HS 11350).

The total cash seized from Huntzinger exceeded $2,200, while the fentanyl weighed in at 28.34 grams.

Authorities urge anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.