HCSO arrests four for trespassing on private property in Blue Lake; the illegal encampments have been linked to recent fires and you should recognize at least two names who appear on the jail log frequently

 

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.