*** JURY VERDICT ***
Forrest Eugene Patchin, 73, of Herlong, was convicted by a Lassen County jury on September 29, 2026, of one count of possession of methamphetamine for sale in violation of Health & Safety Code section 11378.
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Patchin’s home on January 23, 2025 during which they located over half a pound of methamphetamine. The amount coupled with other evidence presented at trial indicated that the methamphetamine was possessed for the purpose of sale. In the charging document, the District Attorney alleged that Patchin had sustained nine (9) prior convictions.
Patchin waived his right to a jury trial and consented to a court trial (judge only) on the issues of whether the amount he possessed was a “large quantity” within the meaning of Calif. Rule of Court 4.421(a), and also whether his convictions are increasing in seriousness or number within the meaning of Calif. Rule of Court 4.421(b). The judicial officer determined both of these allegations to be true.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 10, 2026.
