While HCSO is correct to give the DA credit, no other local media regularly covers the cases I do and the HCSO press release on Matthias Wilberger is only part of a complete record on this and similar cases, HCSO forgot to thank Judge Neel

 

While HCSO is correct to give the DA credit, no other local media regularly covers the cases I do and the HCSO press release on Matthias Wilberger is only part of a complete record on this and similar cases. HCSO forgot to thank Humboldt Presiding Judge Kelly Neel who sentenced Matthias Wilberger to prison for violation of probation as the law requires.

Also, if you look at arrests or convictions on similar cases, Sohum is not where the majority of arrests are; Eureka Police Department does not even issue regular press releases, even on some major crimes; HCSO does and there are certain press releases repeatedly from certain areas. With short staffing and certain staff doing double duty as PIO, major crimes and repeat offenders from the areas most arrests occur should be the focus for EPD and HCSO.

HCSO press release:

In May 2023, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into an individual suspected of possessing child pornography. During this investigation, the suspect was identified as Matthias Alexander Wilberger of Eureka. On June 30, 2023, Matthias was arrested for PC 311.11(a) – Possession of Child Pornography. During a subsequent interview, Matthias admitted to possessing the discovered material.

Following his arrest, investigators obtained a search warrant to conduct a forensic download of his cellphone. The examination revealed a large quantity of additional images and videos of child pornography. While any child pornography is disturbing, the content discovered on Matthias’ phone was especially graphic and horrifying. Due to the amount and nature of the material, Matthias’ charges were amended to:

PC 311.11(c)(1) – Possession of Child Pornography more than 600 images

PC 311.11(c)(2) – Possession of Child Pornography involving sexual sadism and masochism 

On December 13, 2023, Matthias pled guilty to both charges. On January 26, 2024, he was sentenced to five years and eight months in state prison. However, the Judge suspended execution of the sentence, placing Matthias on probation. As part of his probation, Matthias was ordered to register as a sex offender, complete a sex offender treatment program, and serve 365 days in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

 On July 12, 2024, after serving 168 actual days, Matthias was released from custody.