Redwood Empire News

On March 5, at approximately 11:30 p.m., a deputy from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office carried out a probation search at a residence on the 1700 block of Murray Road in McKinleyville. The residents contacted were Joseph Vecchetti, 37, of McKinleyville and Lynzee Strange, 23, of Piercy.

The deputy verified that Vecchetti was on felony probation and proceeded with a search as stipulated by his probation conditions. During the search, authorities discovered 7.5 pounds of processed marijuana, 6.56 grams of methamphetamine, 2.35 grams of fentanyl, and bear mace. Additionally, the deputy observed a pipe discharging wastewater and sewage from the residence into an active water stream. A motorcycle registered to Vecchetti with altered license plate tags was also found.

Vecchetti was subsequently taken to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked under several charges including possession of controlled substances and unlawful paraphernalia, illegal use of tear gas, possession of over one ounce of marijuana, repeated offenses related to controlled substances, illegal dumping in water or shore areas, probation violation or rearrest, and altering vehicle registration.

Strange faced charges for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and controlled substances as well as littering or dumping waste in water or shore areas. She was also transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for booking.

The public is urged to provide any information regarding this case or related criminal activities by contacting the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or using their Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

For those interested in receiving updates from HCSO directly via phone or email can subscribe to news alerts through humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.