News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2005

Ralph A. Goodner sentenced to 41 months in
federal prison for marijuana trafficking

The Drug Enforcement Administration announces the sentencing of Ralph A. Goodner on January 11, 2005. Mr. Goodner was sentenced to 41 months in prison for marijuana trafficking. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston following a guilty plea on one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 (a) (1).

This was a joint investigation conducted by the DEA, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, and the Humboldt County Drug Task Force. The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Michael Nerney.

In 2001, the Internal Revenue Service received an anonymous letter from a concerned citizen indicating that Mr. Goodner was transporting drugs from a property in Alderpoint, California. The DEA also received information from the public stating that Mr. Goodner was operating an indoor marijuana cultivation site and had received great financial gain from this activity.

The DEA conducted a surveillance operation shortly after and observed Mr. Goodner going into a property located at 210 Harris Road, Alderpoint, California, by climbing through a fence while wearing a camouflage suit, hat and veil.

On June 26, 2001, the DEA and our local counterparts executed search warrants at two separate locations: 210 Harris Road, Alderpoint, California, and 5500 Rohnerville Road, Fortuna, California (the residence of Mr. Goodner). At the first location Agents seized 6,004 marijuana plants, some 1,000 watt high intensity discharge grow lights and two diesel generators among other items.

At the Fortuna location, Agents seized eighteen firearms, detailed instructions to set up an indoor marijuana grow, and a ledger listing expenses totaling $205,000.00. The firearms ranged from handguns to semi-automatic rifles. Also arrested during this operation were two additional defendants, Harold D. Harrison, of Petaluma, and Corey L. Ivy, of Rohnert Park. These two defendants were charged by the local District Attorney office.

Mr. Goodner will start serving his sentence in May of 2005.

The DEA wishes to thank the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, and the United States Attorney Office for their professionalism and diligence during this investigation. Last but not least, The DEA thanks the residents of Humboldt County for their unwavering support.

For further information contact Public Information Officer Richard Meyer at 415-436-7900.