Reviewing the Multiple Sexual Crime Cases in Humboldt

Beginning in Eureka, a former wrestling coach was arrested for unlawful sex with a minor.

The suspect is Thomas Harlan Gowing. Harlan was a co-coach for the boys’ and girls’ wrestling teams at Eureka High School until June 2022.

Administrators at Eureka High issued a statement saying they support the Arcata Police in their investigation and that the safety of students is paramount.

Gowing’s case comes not far after former Eureka High volunteer basketball coach Nathan Thomas Hentley was dismissed last fall over his arrest on sex crime allegation.

In Fortuna, felony molestation charges have been dropped against a former track coach at Fortuna High School

57-year-old Gary Frankland Landergen had been accused by three teenage girls of inappropriate touching and language.

Landergan was originally charged with lewd or lascivious behavior with a child, but Judge John Feeney dismissed the case, citing a lack of witness testimony or video evidence.

Feeney said the court doesn’t condone Landergen’s alleged actions, but his behavior doesn’t constitute a felony.