News

Two suspected “runners” for a drug trafficking organization were found with a combined 3 pounds of methamphetamine during traffic stops Aug. 29 as part of a Humboldt County Drug Task Force operation, including a Hoopa woman who was allegedly transporting the drug with her 3-year-old grandson in the car, according to authorites.

According to a news release, a drug task force investigation connected to a search warrant served on a Fieldbrook property earlier this month indicated Rita Doolittle, 45, and Jeremiah Ward, 43, were transporting the drug from the Bay Area to Humboldt County.

Doolittle was pulled over by Fortuna police near Palmer Boulevard after agents, who had obtained a search warrant for her vehicle, spotted her driving north on U.S. Highway 101. Ward, who was following behind her on a motorcycle, was pulled over by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office on Fernbridge Drive.

The release states 2 pounds were located in Doolittle’s vehicle and 1 was found with Ward. Both were cited and released due to COVID-19. The child was placed in protective custody, according to the drug task force.

Read the full task force release below:

On August 17th, 2020, special agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) seized 3.75 pounds of methamphetamine during a search warrant service in the 2300 block of Fieldbrook Rd. in Fieldbrook.

Agents continued to investigate the DTO (drug trafficking organization) responsible for trafficking the methamphetamine in Humboldt County.

On August 29th, 2020 HCDTF Agents obtained a search warrant for a vehicle being driven by Rita Doolittle (age 45 from Hoopa, California). Through their multi-week investigation, agents learned that Doolittle served as a “runner” for the Drug Trafficking Organization and would transport large quantities of methamphetamine from the Bay Area to Humboldt County.

Agents also learned that Doolittle was assisted by another “runner” Jeremiah Ward (age 43 from Blue Lake, California). Ward is on probation in Humboldt County with search and seizure.

At approx. 1400 hrs. on this date Agents located Doolittle driving a sedan northbound on Highway 101 in Humboldt County. Ward was following behind Doolittle driving a motorcycle. Officers from the Fortuna Police Department made a traffic stop on Doolittle at Palmer Blvd. and Highway 101 in Fortuna.

Deputies from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department made a traffic stop on Ward on Fernbridge Dr. in Loleta. Doolittle was detained without incident. Agents searched her vehicle and located 2 pounds of suspected methamphetamine. Doolittle had her 3 year old grandson riding in the vehicle with her.

Doolittle admitted to Agents that she transported the methamphetamine from Oakland, California to Humboldt County with her grandson in the vehicle Doolittle was arrested for transportation of controlled substances through non-contiguous counties, possession of controlled substances for sale, and child endangerment. Child Welfare Services (CWS) responded to the traffic stop and after further investigation they placed the child in protective custody. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic Doolittle was released with a citation and court date to appear for her charges.

Ward was also detained without incident. Agents conducted a probation search of his motorcycle and located 1 pound of suspected methamphetamine. Ward was arrested for transportation of controlled substances and possession of controlled substances for sale. Ward was also released with a citation and court date to appear for his charges.

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.