MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – A Humboldt County fugitive, arrested in Willits in February after an 11-hour stand-off with local law enforcement, pleaded guilty to two felony charges Tuesday in Mendocino County Superior Court just before the time set for his trial to commence.

Jason Michael Frick, 37, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of possessing a destructive device and to being a felon in possession of a firearm, also a felony, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office.

Frick also admitted two prior Humboldt County “strike” convictions – one for residential burglary and the second for robbery.

Overall, Frick has been convicted of seven strikes: two in Tehama County, three in Humboldt County – including the two mentioned above – and two in Del Norte County.

As a result of his guilty pleas and admissions, Frick may face a prison sentence of up to 50 years to life, depending on the outcome of defense motions to be decided by Superior Court Judge Richard Henderson on Oct. 21, the District Attorney's Office reported.

District Attorney David Eyster prosecuted the case. Frick’s defense attorney was Public Defender Linda Thompson.

The Humboldt County Superior Court had issued a warrant for Frick’s arrest after Frick had failed to appear in court on felony charges alleged to have occurred in October 2010, charges that included stalking, corporal injury on a cohabitant, first degree burglary, and possession of controlled substances, according to the District Attorney's Office. The Humboldt County matter remains on hold pending the October sentencing here in Mendocino County.

 

On Feb. 22 of this year local law enforcement became aware that Frick may be hiding out in the Willits area. The SWAT team and other local law enforcement resources were mobilized and it was confirmed that Frick was inside a Birch Street residence.

An 11-hour stand-off thereafter ensued, with Frick eventually surrendering just after 2 a.m. on Feb. 23, officials reported.

During the early stages of the stand-off, Frick told negotiators that he had a bomb and would not come out without defending himself.

Frick also fired a shotgun into the ceiling of the residence during the stand-off, later telling negotiators that he had done so because he believed somebody had placed a laser on him.

A bomb squad was dispatched from Humboldt County and the destructive device was made safe.

That pipe bomb was found to contain nails and BB’s mixed in with explosive matter, according to the District Attorney's Office's report.

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