Court documents shed light on firefighter accused of arson, theft

Court records are shedding some light on the troubles a Phoenix firefighter is facing.

Ryan Donahue, who is accused of theft, was a Phoenix firefighter for 11 years. Police say Donahue had been setting fires, then stealing money at different fire stations while his fellow firefighters were out, and during that time, he has been involved with legal disputes involving three different women, and was arrested for DUI.

According to police, Donahue admitted to being in a deep financial crisis and battling substance abuse.

Some of Donahue's personal problems are detailed in court records, which revealed a series of turbulent relationships, and his struggle with substance abuse. Donahue was reportedly going through a high-conflict divorce and custody battle with his ex-wife, who is the mother of his three daughters. He was ordered to pay child support for a total of four children, having had a son with another woman.

In addition, Donahue pleaded guilty to Extreme DUI in 2013, and was ultimately charged with a misdemeanor. He was credited for serving 14 days in jail, and completing an alcohol screening.

Donahue's girlfriend, according to documents, once accused him of aggravated assault and domestic violence, which led to a search warrant being served at the house where they once lived. She claimed she and Donahue got into an argument about his use of Xanax, which led to him choking and biting her. Charges were never filed.

Now, Donahue is facing a dozen new criminal charges, including theft and felony arson. Donahue is currently on unpaid leave from the phoenix fire department pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.

Donahue is out of jail, but police records indicate he is currently homeless.