On September 30, 2025, Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a trespassing complaint at a residence in the 200 block of Valley Avenue in Fortuna. Upon arrival, deputies found an open window and, during a search of the home, discovered two individuals inside along with numerous firearms located throughout the property.
The suspects were identified as Martha Elizabeth Donahue, 36, of Rio Dell and Johnny William Johnson, 56, of Hydesville. Both were arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.
According to information obtained during the investigation, deputies proceeded to a second location on Price Creek Road in Ferndale. There they found a vehicle containing additional stolen firearms. After obtaining and executing a search warrant for the vehicle, deputies recovered about 30 firearms, extended rifle magazines, a crossbow, and a large amount of ammunition.
Donahue was booked on charges of burglary (P.C. 459) and conspiracy to commit a crime (P.C. 182(a)(1)). Johnson was booked on charges of burglary (P.C. 459), conspiracy to commit a crime (P.C. 182(a)(1)), felon in possession of firearms (P.C. 29800), and prohibited person in possession of ammunition (P.C. 30305).
“This remains an active investigation. No further details are available at this time.”
Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip Line at (707) 268-2539.
