Del Norte Deputies Seize Meth, Fentanyl, Heroin, and a Loaded Handgun

K9 Zuko with evidence collected by the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Department.

This is a press release from the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

On 8/23/2024, Del Norte County Deputies stopped a vehicle on M St in Crescent City. The vehicle was driven by Richard White(04/18/1982) and was occupied by another female subject later identified as Wendy Paritsky(07/25/1988).

White was driving without a valid license and was suspected to be dealing illegal narcotics in the area.

During the traffic stop K9 Zuko was deployed for a free air sniff of the vehicle. K9 Zuko alerted to the odor of narcotics within the vehicle, resulting in a search of the vehicle.
Deputies located approximately 37.4 grams (1.3 oz) of suspected methamphetamine, 2.6 grams of suspected fentanyl and 2.3 grams of suspected heroin.

A loaded Glock 22 handgun, a scale and packing material were located inside the vehicle as well.

White was placed under arrest for the sale or narcotics, felon in possession of a firearm and possessing narcotics with a loaded firearm.

Paritsky was arrested for providing false identification to a peace officer as well as an outstanding warrant for burglary and theft related charges.

Both White and Paritsky remain in the custody of the Del Norte County Jail.

Message from Sheriff Scott: I commend our Deputies for their work on this case. I am so proud of Deputy Brittain and K9 Zuko for their continued hard work to keep weapons and drugs off our streets.