Full Notification

Public Information Release
August 7, 2012
Sergeant Steve Brooks, Public Information Officer


The service of a search warrant and continued investigation by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force has resulted in two arrests, the seizure of over an ounce of methamphetamine and the recovery of several stolen firearms.

On May 4, 2012 narcotics detectives secured a search warrant for the person, home and vehicle of 27 year old Ryan Allen Messing of Clearlake. On May 11, 2012 detectives served the search warrant at Messing’s home on Lakeview Way in Clearlake. As detectives arrived they were met with numerous subjects who slowed their access into the residence. Messing was able to escape before detectives could secure the residence.

During a search of the home, detectives located over an ounce of methamphetamine, digital scales, and packaging materials. They also located several firearms which were reported stolen from several burglaries which occurred in both Lake and Napa Counties. The Lake County Narcotics Detectives obtained a felony arrest warrant for Messing in the amount of $140,000.00 relating to the above offenses.

Detectives later learned that Messing and his girlfriend, 30 year old Gina Costello, also of Clearlake fled Lake County to the central valley. Messing is suspected in several burglaries in Yolo County and a vehicle pursuit in Sacramento County where he evaded capture. Charges are currently pending in those counties for both Messing and Costello relating to the burglaries and pursuit.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Narcotic Task Force Detectives developed information that Messing and Costello had returned to Lake County. On July 27, 2012 at approximately 7:30 am, narcotic detectives along with a Lake County Sheriff’s K9 Deputy responded to an address on Spruce Grove Road in Lower Lake. Detectives located both Messing and Costello in a travel trailer on the property and they were detained without incident. Messing was arrested on the outstanding felony warrant. Costello was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and being an accessory to a crime. Both Messing and Costello were transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked.

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force will continue its efforts to eradicate narcotics from the communities of Lake County and seize the suspected profits of drug trafficking for asset forfeiture whenever possible. Anyone with information that can assist the Task Force with this effort is encouraged to call the anonymous tip line at 263-3663