HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CA – Brent John Holdridge, 59, of Arcata, was arrested on May 11, 2025, after authorities linked him to a series of copper thefts at an industrial facility on the Samoa Peninsula. Holdridge, previously charged by the FBI for his involvement in the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol breach, now faces multiple charges related to burglary and grand theft.
According to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), investigators began looking into the theft of industrial copper wire—valued at tens of thousands of dollars—that had occurred over several weeks leading up to a report on May 1, 2025. Through a detailed investigation led by an HCSO Community Services Officer, Holdridge was identified as a suspect.
A search warrant was executed on May 11 at Warren Creek Road in Arcata, where authorities recovered a significant quantity of stolen copper wire and tools used in the thefts. Holdridge was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of burglary (PC 459), grand theft (PC 487(a)), and possession of stolen property (PC 496(a)).
Previously, Holdridge had been identified by the FBI for entering the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 attack, an event that led to his federal charges. In the investigation, cell tower data and surveillance footage placed Holdridge in restricted areas of the Capitol building, where he was seen carrying a flag and using a cell phone. Though he admitted to being inside the building, Holdridge denied damaging property or assaulting anyone.
Holdridge was granted clemency by President Trump on January 20, 2025, along with over 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the Capitol riot.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office praised the investigative efforts of its team, stressing its commitment to preventing property crimes in the region.
