Ryan James Johnson Sentenced to 14 Plus 25 Years to Life in Prison Following Record of Recidivist and Violent Crime

Author: District Attorney
Date: 11/6/2025 11:06 AM

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that earlier this week, in Department 9 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, the Honorable Judge Crystal Seiler sentenced defendant Ryan James Johnson (48) to serve 14 years plus 25 years to life in State Prison.

Ryan James Johnson's significant life sentence was imposed after a jury conviction for a 2023 violent felony DUI incident and is based on Johnson's extensive violent and serious felony record under California's well-established Three Strikes Law.

Johnson's current convictions stem from a reckless, life-threatening incident on December 27, 2023, when he drove northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo while high on methamphetamine and marijuana, ultimately crashing into multiple vehicles. One elderly victim, Pamela Mays, suffered a major compound leg fracture.

Johnson then fled the scene but was later arrested and taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. Johnson then left the hospital without approval from arresting officers. While the jury ultimately acquitted Johnson of misdemeanor escape from arrest, Johnson was arrested the day after leaving the hospital at his home where he was once again under the influence.

"Today's sentence sends a strong message that violent, repeat offenders will be held accountable in San Luis Obispo County," said District Attorney Dan Dow. "Our office is committed to ensuring public safety and seeking justice for crime victims. The Three Strikes Law remains a vital and effective tool-ensuring that the most persistent, unrepentant criminals are taken off our streets. By imposing severe penalties for repeat violent felons, we protect our community and deter others from engaging in similar lawless conduct."

Johnson's extensive criminal history includes four prior strike convictions out of a 2009 San Luis Obispo County case: Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, First Degree Residential Burglary, and two counts of Robbery involving multiple victims, as detailed by the California Court of Appeal in People v. Johnson (2013) 221 Cal.App.4th 623. In that home invasion, Johnson acted as the mastermind, organizing armed accomplices for a violent robbery that resulted in a fatal shooting. In addition, Johnson possesses a record spanning back to 1995, including multiple felonies for theft, narcotics, DUI, and violence, with prior state prison sentences served.

Today's life sentence holds Ryan Johnson fully accountable for his violent actions and sends a strong message that repeat offenders who endanger our citizens, especially our most vulnerable, will be prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law. This outcome reflects both the spirit and the necessity of California's Three Strikes Law as a means of protecting the public, deterring future crime, and delivering justice for victims.

Anyone with information regarding similar crimes or seeking victim services may contact the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office.

This case was investigated by the California Highway Patrol and the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution effort was led by Deputy District Attorney Hunter Starr. Victim Witness services were provided by Victim Advocate Aracely Maldonado and Witness Coordinator Kellie Navarro.

Here is a copy of the defendant's booking photo. Here is a copy of the Information Filed.