Stolen Property, Fictitious Checks Leads To 4 Eureka Arrests

Jamie Ladd

On 9/28/11, at about 7:40 AM, investigators with the Eureka Police Department’s Problem Oriented Policing (POP) and Criminal Investigation Services (CIS) Units served a search warrant at a residence on the 2900 block of Union Street, Eureka.  The warrant was in response to numerous citizen complaints about suspected criminal activity occurring at the property (drugs, stolen property etc.).  Additionally, several forged/fictitious check investigations had led back to the residence and/or its occupants. 

Investigators encountered and detained 4 residents upon entering the home:

·     Ernest (“Ernie”) Alan Rocha (50 of Eureka)

·     Jamie Dean Ladd (20 of Eureka)

·     John Edwin Cochran (27 of Eureka)

·     Genie Kathleen Porter (29 of Eureka)

John Cochran

During a subsequent search of the property, detectives located drug use paraphernalia, evidence of fictitious check manufacturing (forged checks, equipment to make checks, personal/financial account information for multiple individuals), and stolen property.  The stolen items recovered included two license plates, mail belonging to multiple individuals, and a vehicle tire.  The tire was found hidden in the attic and it had been reported stolen with 3 others from a neighboring residence the previous evening. 

Rocha was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked for maintaining a place for purposes of drug use/sales, receiving/possessing stolen property, making/possessing fictitious checks, and unauthorized possession of hypodermic syringes. 

Ladd was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked for receiving/possessing stolen property, making/possessing fictitious checks, unauthorized possession of hypodermic syringes, and probation violation. 

Cochran was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked for receiving/possessing stolen property, making/possessing fictitious checks, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Genie Porter

Porter was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Jail where she was booked for receiving/possessing stolen property, making/possessing fictitious checks, and possession of drug paraphernalia (meth pipe).

The investigation is continuing and additional arrests/charges may result as suspected stolen property and personal/financial account information belonging to multiple victims was located in the suspects’ home. 

Ernest Rocha