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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) conducted a coordinated operation resulting in the arrest of four individuals for trespassing on private property along Hatchery Road in Blue Lake. The operation, carried out in collaboration with property owners, was prompted by multiple community complaints regarding illegal encampments on the site.

These encampments have been linked to several recent fires, which were swiftly contained by the Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department, preventing significant damage. Over the past week, HCSO deputies conducted outreach efforts, informing individuals at the encampments of the property owners’ request to vacate and providing ample time for compliance.

On July 13, 2025, deputies arrested four individuals who failed to comply with the directive to leave. The arrestees were identified as Chad Kovatch, 42; Gregory Miller, 37; Troy Miller, 56; and Autumn Studdert, 19. All were charged with trespassing.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to serving and protecting all members of our community while upholding the law. Criminal activity, including trespassing on public or private property, will not be tolerated.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268- 2539.