On Feb. 19., at 7:42 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff deputies, assisted by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Team served a search warrant at a residence located in the 2300 block of Lee Ln. in Eureka.  

The warrant was the result of an ongoing investigation into the use and possession of narcotics, and suspected child endangerment involving 49-year-old suspect Gilbert Modesto Barff.

Upon service of the warrant, deputies contacted Barff inside the residence, where his 10-year-old son also resides.  Barff was found to be in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.  A subsequent search of the residence yielded additional items consistent with the possession and use of narcotics, ammunition, and numerous items containing fentanyl residue located with reach of the child.

Gilbert, who is a convicted felon, was arrested and transported the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the following charges:

HS 11366: Keep place to sell/etc. narcotic/controlled substance

PC 273a(a): Child abuse w/possible great bodily injury/death

PC 30305(a)(1): Prohibited person own/possess/ammunition

Humboldt County Child Welfare Services was notified, and the child was released into the care of his mother.

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.