Jury convicts Blaine Richard Martin, another victory for Deputy DA Brent Kling

On December 1, 2016, a jury convicted 24-year-old Blaine Richard Martin of Trinidad of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possession of Ammunition, charges stemming from a routine traffic stop in McKinleyville on March 24, 2016.  

Mr. Martin was on felony probation for a 2015 conviction for possessing a firearm with the intent to commit a felony when stopped by a Humboldt County Deputy Sheriff; the Deputy searched the vehicle as allowed by Mr. Martin’s conditions of probation.  During the search the Deputy discovered a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun and 20 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition in a plastic case on the front seat.    

In addition to the jury’s findings of guilt, the trial judge found Mr. Martin in violation of both his 2015 felony probation, as well as in violation of probation linked to a 2016 misdemeanor conviction for providing a place for the manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance.  

All matters have been referred to the Humboldt County Probation Department for pre-sentencing reports and sentencing is scheduled for December 28, 2016.  The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 3 years and 8 months.  He is currently in custody.

The case was investigated by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department and prosecuted by Deputy D.A. Brent Kling.  Mr. Martin was represented by the Humboldt County Public Defender’s Office.