Two people arrested in Eureka on suspicion of drug trafficking, child abuse and more, Drug Task Force says | Lost Coast Outpost

PREVIOUSLY:

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Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

Reed.

On May 27, 2024, agents of the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF), with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) SWAT team, executed a search warrant for a hotel in the 100 block of 4th Street in Eureka and arrest warrants for Michael Caleb Reed (age 39) and Pa Cheng (age 32). After a several-month investigation, the HCDTF collected evidence that Reed and Cheng traveled to Southern California to purchase large quantities of narcotics. Reed and Cheng would bring the narcotics back to Humboldt County for sale. Reed is a convicted felon and is currently on probation for obstruction of justice. Reed has a long history of leading law enforcement on high-speed chases throughout the state of California, one of which resulted in a collision in 2020 that seriously injured a Eureka Police Officer.

Cheng.

During the investigation, HCDTF agents executed search warrants for the social media accounts of Reed and Cheng. While reviewing the data on Reed’s account, agents discovered a video of Reed and Cheng engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of 16. Agents also discovered that Reed had shared the video of him and Cheng engaging in sexual intercourse with the minor, as well as other sexually explicit images/videos of the same minor, to other individuals.

While reviewing Reed and Cheng’s social media messages and data, agents found evidence that Reed and Cheng were involved in human trafficking and prostitution. It is believed that the victims observed on the social media accounts were also potential minors.

At 5:30 p.m., HCSO SWAT officers and HCSO K9 Rex positioned themselves in the parking lot of a business in the 100 block of 6th Street, awaiting Reed and Cheng’s arrival on the Amtrak bus. When the bus arrived, both Reed and Cheng were arrested. Reed was found to be in possession of several duffel bags. Inside the bags, agents found two ounces of cocaine, one ounce of heroin, one pound of fentanyl, two pounds of methamphetamine, and a loaded handgun.

After arresting Reed and Cheng, agents went to their hotel room, where they found a stolen handgun hidden in the wall and other evidence of human trafficking and prostitution.

Reed was taken to the Humboldt County Jail where he was arrested on the following charges:

• PC 288.2(A)(2) Displaying/transmitting harmful material with the intent to entice minors.
• PC 261.5(d) Rape of a Minor
• PC 287(B)(2) Oral sex with a minor under 16 years of age
• PC 182(A)(1) Conspiracy
• PC 311.11(a) Possession of Child Pornography
• PC 30305(a) Felon in possession of ammunition
• PC 25850(a) Illegal possession of a firearm
• PC 29800(a) Felon in possession of a firearm
• HS 11370.1(a) Possession of a firearm with a controlled substance
• HS 11352(a) Transport of narcotics
• HS 11352(B) Transportation of narcotics, non-contiguous counties
• HS 11351 Possession for sale, narcotics
• HS 11379 (a) Transport of controlled substances
• HS 11379(b) Transportation of controlled substances, noncontiguous counties
• HS 11378 Possession for sale, controlled substance.

The HCDTF will also investigate additional charges related to the stolen firearm found in Reed’s room, human trafficking, pimping, procuring and distribution of child pornography.

Cheng was taken to the Humboldt County Jail where she was arrested on the following charges:

• PC 287(B)(2) Oral sex with a minor under 16 years of age
• HS 11352(a) Transport of narcotics
• HS 11352(B) Transportation of narcotics, non-contiguous counties
• HS 11351 Possession for sale, narcotics
• HS 11379 (a) Transport of controlled substances
• HS 11378 Possession for sale, controlled substance.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to this case involving victims of human trafficking is asked to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.