On Sept. 19 in the afternoon, Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant and an arrest warrant on the 2900 block of Essex St., Eureka. 

Darin Michael Ward, age 53, of Eureka, was taken into custody following a search of the residence. Evidence of the criminal activity was seized at the residence.  

Ward was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges:

• 2 counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor—PC 288(a)
• Contact with minor intent to commit specified offense—PC 288.3(a)
• Promoting/using/persuading or inducing underage-obscene matter—PC 311.4(b)
• Human trafficking—PC 236.1(c)(2)

Ward’s bail amount is set at $1,035,000. 

This case is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

Darin Michael Ward Booking Photo | Humboldt County Correctional Facility