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Sex Trafficking in Arizona

sex trafficking in arizona

Rescued Arizona Sex Trafficking Victim

Sex trafficking is so scary. It’s a real possibility for anyone and anywhere.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety officials say that a traffic stop near Kingman was lucky for one sixteen year old girl who was going to be sold for sex.

They said that the teen was in the company of a man and woman. Luckily their vehicle was stopped by the DPS Trooper, Jonathan Otto.

Otto had clocked the car going very fast, more than 100 mph as it was traveling towards Las Vegas.

Otto said that the first thing that he had noticed when he made his way to the vehicle that that was an “overwhelming odor of perfume”. There was also an adult woman in the front passenger seat who was “dressed scantily”.

Otto’s Statement:

She was actually wearing lingerie. That’s something I’ve never encountered on a regular traffic stop before.

Teen Victim

He then saw a teen in the back seat of the vehicle.

Once the smell of perfume dissipated, Otto noticed a new odor coming from the car…marijuana.

The driver of course denied having marijuana in the vehicle, but did admit to smoking it in the vehicle a could of days earlier.

After that, Otto had everyone get out of the vehicle and got to identifying the woman and the teen.

The teen was also not wearing a lot of cloths. She wasn’t carrying an ID, but she was compliant and told him her name and said that she was eighteen years old.

Otto then put the three of them in the back of his vehicle and started searching the vehicle. He then started noticing “a lot of indicators of sex trafficking”. There was even a document from a children’s court in California, it had the teen’s name on it.

The search ended up showing nothing but “debris” but he did end up running the name of the woman and the teen. That’s when he found out that the young girl was sixteen and not eighteen.

 

 

Otto’s Statement:

With the indications of sexual trafficking and then knowing that she was a juvenile now, I separated her from the adults and questioned her about her date of birth.

The teen said that she wasn’t a runaway. She claimed that she had been kicked out of her home.

When Otto asked about her guardians he found out that her most recent guardian was her grandmother. When Otto contacted her grandmother he found out that the teen was a runaway and wasn’t supposed to be with any adults or in Arizona. Otto also found out that there’s a chance that “prostitution was involved” in the case.

Since he had more information, Otto tried to go talk to the young girl again.

She continued to deny everything and said that she was “okay”.  Otto luckily knew she wasn’t.

Otto’s Statement:

I feel like I gave her a chance to get away from this situation.

One of the things that Otto noticed that the young girl was malnourished. She also had makeup caked on her face and they had little luggage in the car. A happy family traveling always over packs.

It was later found out that the girl had been taken from Southern California. She was trafficked in Arizona and was going to be trafficked again in Las Vegas. Thankfully Otto didn’t give up on her or his instincts.

Otto’s Statement:

She had come from a poverty-stricken life, and this was a way to make quick money. She was trying to get away from  her impoverished life. … I’m just glad was able to intercept her. I believe she got into the prostitution world when she was 15, last year. She had gone missing from San Diego in November. … At that time, I believe these two adults from Vegas had gone out to California and picked her up and took her back to Las Vegas.

The suspects were identified as Rasheen Adams and Chicha Harris. Both suspects are twenty-three years old and from Vegas. They’ve both been charged with three felonies each including: custodial interference, sex trafficking of a minor and theft of means of transportation.

Police think that Adams and Harris connected with the teen through common friends.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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Cocaine Drug Busts

Cocaine Drug Busts

Cocaine Thrown from Vehicle During Police Chase

Two men are now in custody after they allegedly hit several police vehicles and also threw out some crack cocaine from their car during a wild chase. This happened in Philadelphia. Talk about a crazy, severe situation.

The incident started just before nine o’clock at night. It started when the 15th District narcotics officers tried to approach a fifty-one year old man and a thirty year old man that were inside of a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. It happened near the Cottoman and Torresdale avenues. Both of the men were suspects in a drug transaction, according to the local investigators.

As the police announced that they were going to make an arrest, the fifty-one year old driver, quickly put the car in reverse and hit an unattended parked car. He then tried to run over the narcotics officer. Luckily the officer was able to jump out of the way before the man could strike him with the car.

The Marquis went through a nearby playground and then continued to travel wildly until it’s front right tire blew out. Police stated that the police officers then continued to chase, however during the chase the men began throwing crack cocaine out of the vehicle.

Car Chase Ends

The car finally pulled over in the 7600 block of Torresdale Avenue and the men seemed to be turning themselves in. According to the officials, as the officers started coming towards the vehicle the driver and passenger opened their door. However, the driver made a decision to drive off again at a high speed. The driver hit two marked police vehicles in the process and then the chase continued.

During the chase, the Marquis also hit another police vehicle. During this part of the chase, the front tire was completely blown out. The driver finally stopped the vehicle on the 7900 block of Torresdale Avenue. Both of the men finally got out of the vehicle, but the chase wasn’t over yet. The men started to run through a vacant lot.

Police officers quickly chased after the men on foot. They finally got both men apprehended. Investigators say that the men had pills and crack cocaine in their possession. Of course, the police later confiscated the drugs.

Both the men are finally, safely, in custody and were charged with possession of narcotics. The fifty-one year old man was charged with eluding police and aggravated assault. He also suffered from a minor cut to his head and was treated at local hospital, Aria Torresdale. The passenger, a thirty year old man, was somehow not injured. Police say that luckily, none of the officers were hurt during this crazy chase.

 

Phoenix Drug Possession Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

Being convicted of a drug offense of any kind is a serious matter that could result in criminal penalties and could adversely affect your employment opportunities. If you have been arrested on drug possession charges, contact the Law Offices of the Phoenix based Perlman Law Group for immediate assistance.

 

Phoenix Drug Possession Charges

Our Phoenix drug possession attorneys handle all drug possession charges, including:

  • Illegal possession of marijuana
  • Illegal possession of narcotics and other controlled substances such as Cocaine, Methamphetamine

(also known as Meth) and Ecstasy – MDMA

  • Illegal possession of prescription medications
  • Forged medication prescriptions
  • Drug possession for sales or distribution

 

Our Extensive Experience in Handling Drug Possession Cases

We have extensive experience defending clients charged with illegal drug possession. We closely examine the evidence in the prosecution’s possession and look for ways to exploit police and prosecution errors to our clients’ advantage.

 

Important Questions Pertaining to Your Case:

  • In your situation, if the illegal drugs turned up in a traffic stop, did the police have a good reason to stop your car?
  • Did the seizure of the evidence against you violate the terms of a search warrant?
  • Did the police fail to instruct you of your right to remain silent or your right to legal counsel?

 

If You Have Been Charged for Drug Possession Contact an Attorney Right Away

The sooner you engage us to develop your defense strategy, the more our law firm will have to work with in protecting you from a conviction. We examine these and other issues to raise the strongest possible defense on our clients’ behalf. Our attorneys are also familiar with treatment options and creative measures that may allow you to avoid a criminal conviction or minimize the penalties you may face. We care about our clients and work hard to protect their freedom, record and rights.

 

If you have been arrested for drug possession, you may be innocent, you may have made a mistake or you may have a chemical dependency issue. Regardless of your personal circumstances, we will be the strong and caring advocates you need. For people who do have a chemical dependency issue, incarceration is not the answer. We will do everything in our power and within the law to protect your freedom.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Drug Possession Lawyer

Any drug charge is a serious accusation that could result in prison time, other serious penalties, and a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. The good news is that there is a defense to every charge. If you or someone you know has been accused of a Drug Crime such as Drug Possession, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 877-887-4541.

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445

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Phoenix Crimes

Phoenix Crimes

Phoenix Police Searching for Woman

Starting a fire in a public place probably isn’t the smartest thing in the world. You’ll eventually get caught. Plus, that’s just plain rude.

The Phoenix police are needing help and asking for the public’s help finding a woman who recently started a fire in a local Phoenix restaurant.

According to reports, a woman entered a Los Toritos Mexican Restaurant which was located near 32nd Street and McDowell Road.

The police said that the suspect could be seen on surveillance video asking  an employee for a key to the bathroom and once inside she poured gasoline and then lit it on fire.

She then fled the restaurant in a dark colored pickup truck. The truck was waiting in an alley just north of the business.

The woman is described as being a Hispanic or as a white female. She was between twenty-two to thirty years old. She was described as 130-150 pounds and had dark colored hair. At the time she had baggy clothes on and a light colored knit hat. She was also reportedly carrying a large black purse. Police think that’s what she was carrying the gasoline in.

Phoenix Man Dead

Police say a Phoenix man was shot dead after confronting a suspected burglar outside his neighbor’s home late Wednesday.

The victim, whom police have not named, approached the burglar just before 10 p.m. in the 13000 block of North 34th Avenue, according to Sgt. Vince Lewis, a Phoenix police spokesman.

The burglar pulled out a firearm and shot the man before fleeing in a vehicle, Lewis said..

Phoenix Felony Defense Lawyer

Felony Criminal Offenses

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC of Phoenix offers expert representation to clients accused of felony criminal offenses in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. Felony Offenses are serious accusations where the court may sentence an individual to an Arizona State Prison rather than being sent to a county jail. If you are faced with a Felony criminal charge, contact our skilled attorneys immediately for a free consultation to discuss your case and begin working toward a legal resolution. Felony offenses can significantly impact your record and reputation and may be detrimental to your ability to obtain or continue viable employment positions. A Felony offense may carry large repercussions that can negatively impact your personal and civil rights.

 

Understanding Your Rights

It is important to fully understand your rights when you are facing a felony criminal offense and our expert attorneys will provide you with the necessary information that you need to be equipped for a successful case. In some circumstances, a Diversion Program may be established with alternative options other than jail or prison time. Felony Criminal Offense cases require careful examination to determine the status of your legal situation and to make efforts toward dismissing or removing detrimental felony allegations from your permanent record.

 

First Time Felony Defense

First-time offenders may be entitled to certain programs that can result in the dismissal or minimization of your charges. The Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC will go to battle on your behalf in an effort to find creative and alternative solutions that may result in the dismissal of your case and the removal of charges. Knowing the specific felony defense laws of Arizona is essential, and the expert attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC are well versed in Arizona-specific statutes. We can assist you with all elements of your case and will aggressively approach your situation for the most favorable possible outcome of full dismissal or your record expunged/sealed when possible.

 

Contact a Law Firm Right Away

If you or someone you know has been recently charged with a felony offense in the greater Phoenix area, please call the skilled Felony Offense Attorneys at the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC today for a free consultation. Whether you have been convicted of a First, Second or Third Degree Felony, our attorneys will assist you in maneuvering the Felony challenges of a DUI, a probation violation, traffic violations, failure to appear in court, if you have a warrant for your arrest or any other form of felony accusation.

 

Understanding the Different Types of Felonies

It is crucial to understand what type of felony offense you are facing so as to determine whether diversionary programs or alternative options may apply. Often times a pre-trial intervention is possible and our skilled attorneys will work hard to find any and all alternatives to avoid conviction and the negative impacts a felony offense will have on your permanent record.

Free Consultation – Phoenix Felony Defense Lawyer

With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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assault Burn Injury felony Narcotics Personal Injury

Sexual Abuse Cases in Phoenix

Homicide By Hammer

Several Recent Sexual Abuse Hearings in Phoenix

 

A convicted felon has recently been arrested for claiming to be a rapist. He even threatened to rape an entire family and several children at the Hermosa Park on a Tuesday, according to the local police.

 

Fifty-six year old, Russell Theodore was arrested for the following charges: one count of luring a minor for sexual exploitation, one count of threatening and intimidating, and one more count of criminal trespassing in the first degree in a residential yard.

 

Theodore has been accused of confronting the victim as well as her twelve year old daughter near 20th street and southern avenue. He even told them that  he was a “rapist”.  Theodore (the suspect) had allegedly threatened to rape both of the girls as well as the other children nearby, According to the police reports.

 

The mother was luck enough to catch the attention of a park ranger. The ranger then followed Theodore and called the police. Theodore fled to a residential area at 20th Place and Roeser Road. That is where he got in trouble for the trespassing.

 

A second witness from the scene had told the local authorities that Theodore had actually been seen and heard threatening to rape several people. Theodore was then arrested and booked into the 4th Avenue jail. Theodore’s record wasn’t exactly clean to begin with, he was previously convicted of burglary, theft of means of transportation, and public indecency.

 

Thank goodness the authorities was able to catch this pervert before something happened to those women and children.

 

Child Sexual Abuse in Colorado

 

The police have now charged a twenty-six year old man with sexually assault of a fourteen year old girl in Colorado. He has had “varying degrees of contact” with the girl. Arizona authorities say that the contact include, illegal and physical contact.

 

The twenty-six year old young man, Anthony Martinez was tracked all the way to Flagstaff, Arizona. On May 11 of this year, the police arrested him. He is now in the Coconino County Jail.

 

The Police say that Anthony had been communicating with young girls around 2011-2015 through social media. He had asked them to exchange photographs and would sometimes even meet the girls at “locations often frequented by younger members of our community” according to the Colorado Springs Police Department.

 

The investigation for the sicko started back in November 2014. The police had opened a sexual assault investigation that involved a fourteen year old girl. During that particular investigation, the police were able to find information that would lead them to a search within other states.

 

The police are trying to identify anyone who might have been in physical contact with Anthony or even had exchanged photos with him. If so, please contact the Colorado Springs Police at 719-444-7000. If you call, please just let the investigators know that you’re calling about the Anthony Martinez case.

 

Police say that this isn’t a one state case, they have leads in Montana, New Mexico, New York, and California.

 

Phoenix Violent Crimes Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

If you are suspected of murder, aggravated assault or another violent crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney can secure your rights. A skilled lawyer will not only look for ways to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed but will also focus on developing an effective criminal defense trial strategy. At Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we have a substantial background defending clients accused of violent crimes in the state of Arizona and the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Our lead criminal defense attorney, Daniel Perlman, is a former prosecutor who previously pursued charges against individuals suspected of violent crimes. Mr. Perlman and the entire Perlman Law Group offer a comprehensive view of the criminal justice system and know the right steps to take in developing a defense strategy while seeking to mitigate any potential damage.

 

Our ability to work with the facts in plea negotiations can turn a weak defense into a strong one. In our experience, a creative approach to your defense strategy can result in a sentence of probation or work release, even on a felony plea.

 

Effective Defensive Strategy for Violent Crimes

As a starting point for an effective defense strategy, we will evaluate the police report, witness statements and any physical evidence. Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC takes its approach a step further through identifying creative solutions by focusing on the actual risk of punishment you are currently facing. The threat of prison will probably be based as much on your prior record as it will be on the facts of the current criminal charges.

 

Our firm handles cases involving all types of Violent Crime allegations, including:

  • Assault and Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • Murder, Attempted Murder and Manslaughter
  • Weapons Offenses
  • Armed Robbery
  • Kidnapping and False Imprisonment
  • Criminal Threats
  • Gang-Related Crimes
  • Resisting Arrest and Assault on an Officer
  • Domestic Violence

 

If weaknesses in the government’s case mean that you stand a good chance of success at trial, we will aggressively represent your interests before a jury. If the evidence against you makes a trial too risky, we will advise you and work with all parties — including prosecutors, probation officers, court services and community agencies — to show that you are an excellent candidate for favorable treatment.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation –  Phoenix Violent Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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assault bank robbery battery felony Personal Injury

Phoenix Police Investigate Multiple Robbery Claims

Robberies in Phoenix On the Rise

Phoenix Police Search for Robbery Suspect

Police have one of the hardest jobs in America. They work countless hours to try to keep us safe, and have one of the lowest pays in the country. They get beaten down by the media but they always stay resiliant.

Police are now looking for a man and woman who the believe are a “persons of interest” in an armed robbery case that happened in downtown Phoenix.

A suspect reportedly robbed two women at gunpoint. The suspect took both of their purses. This happened in the area of Ninth Street and Garfield Street back on May 6th.

According to the reports, the next day the victim’s bank card had been used at several different locations by the two suspects.

Suspects Descriptions

One of the suspects was described as a Hispanic man. The man was 18-22 years old and around 5’6” tall. They say he probably weighed aroudn 190 pounds and has black hair, brown eyes and a mustache.

The woman is described as having long brown hair and is pregnant.

If you have any information about the case, you’re asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.

Phoenix Police Need Help with Robbery Suspect

While the police are awsome at doing a lot of things, they still sometimes need a little help. Silent Witness is asking for help in a recent armed robbery case that happened just last month.

According to the reports, a man stole the keys to Fry’s gas station kiosk at gunpoint. The suspect stole cash from the register. The station is located near 51st Avenue and Baseline Road.

The suspect went to talk to an employee just outside of the station. The suspect then demanded the employee’s keys. I’m guessing the male suspect entered the kiosk and demanded money from the reigster, all of this from behind a pointed gun.

Police say that the clerk then put the money into the garbage can and then the suspect left on foot.

Robbery Suspect’s Description

 

The suspect is described as a black man. Police think he is somewhere in his early twenties. Police believe he is around six foot tall and weighs around one-hundred and sixty pounds. They say he has black hair and brown eyes.

Silent Witness is offering up a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest of the suspect.

If you have any information about this robbery, then please contact Silent Witness at 480-948-6377.

 

Bank Robbery

Bank robberies rarely end well, since ya know they don’t have good intentions to begin with. Sometimes people do end up getting killed or sometimes they end with people walking away unscared.

A recent robbery ended with the suspected bank robber dead. This was after a 45 minuted chase. The police was able to end the chase when they pinned his fleeing SUV against a barrier in Tempe, Arizona. They then opened fire on the driver.

The police told NBC News that the driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.

Robbery Chase

The chase started after a bank was robbed in a Phoenix suburb. The suspect shot at the police during the incident. There were two other “people of interest” in the bank robbery and they’re now in custody.

There’s a video that shows footage of the chase. It showed two unmakred vehicles and they forced an SUV to spin to the right as it made a right turn. There’s a third vehicle and then they pinned the SUV against the fence. This is a tactic known as “PIT” aka “Precision Immobilzation Technique”.

One of the officers from the first vehicle came onto the scene and opened fire into the front seat of the SUV as the local television stations were broadcasting the encounter live.

 

Phoenix Police Sgt. Jonathan Howard’s Statement:

We know that he intended to escape at all costs and put anybody in danger. He already shot at police officers. He’s endangered the public for half an hour now as he’s driven throughout the city recklessly. It’s important to stop him before someone else gets hurt.

The Avondale police told the local news that the chase started around 11:49 in the morning. The robbery was at the Credit Union West in the Phoenix suburb of Avondale. The suspects fled in a black SUV and opened fire when the police tried to pull them over. Talk about a scary situation.

Two people were caught, however the third suspect took off on Interstate 10 toward Phoenix.
According to Officer Ray Emmett, luckily no one was injured at the bank scene. The chase continued through Phoenix unitl it sadly had to finally end with a deadly shooting in Tempe.
FBI had to be on the scene of the bank robbery in Avondale.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
Drug Trafficking felony Narcotics

Marijuana Drug Bust in Phoenix

Dispensary Causes Suspicion

Police Finds Crate Carrying Marijuana

 

Metro police intercepted a crate containing 140 pounds of marijuana shipped from Phoenix for distribution to street dealers in Nashville Thursday.

When detectives received information that the 327 pound wooden crate located at a local freight company could be tied to criminal activity, they sent Caine, a police dog, to check, police said.

With the help of a Caine, officers found 140 pounds of marijuana inside the cargo during a search warrant, repackaged the marijuana and followed the shipment to a home in the 5000 block of Ryan Allen Court, the affidavit continues.

Police arrested Tusabi Edwards, 40, and Terrence Reames, 38, in connection with possession with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture a controlled substance in a school zone.

Depending on the grade of the marijuana, current drug prices provided by Metro police show it’s valued at anywhere between $385,000 to $630,000.

His co-defendant, Reames, told police Edwards came to Nashville to oversee the load of marijuana and that Edwards was supposed to sell the marijuana in Nashville. Reams also said he was to receive $2000 for his part to distribute the marijuana for providing a place to receive and break down the marijuana for re-sale in Nashville, the affidavit states.

Edwards is being held in lieu of $200,000 bond. Reames’ bond is set at $50,000.

As of Friday morning both men remained incarcerated at the Metro jail.

PART 2

The Maricopa County Drug Task Force removes Marijuana plants and growing materials after shutting down an allegedly illegal grow operation at a warehouse located near 40th Street and Washington on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Phoenix, Ariz. Danny Miller / azcentral.com | The Republic

Armed with a search warrant, authorities arrived at a grow warehouse near 40th and Washington streets at 7:30 a.m. and seized more than 600 marijuana plants in what may have been one of the county’s largest drug busts, said Lt. Jeff Gentry of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Hash, edibles and kief — a dried form of marijuana — also were found at the warehouse.The marijuana collected from the warehouse will be dried at a Drug Enforcement Administration facility and then will be packaged as evidence, Gentry said.

A total of 12 warrants were served in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Fountain Hills in connection with the investigation. Among the items seized were guns and more than $100,000 in cash, according to officials.

A father and son are believed to head more than 10 similar marijuana grow facilities in Phoenix and northern Arizona that have been running for about a year and a half and have generated at least $16 million for the operators during that time, Gentry said. That dollar amount is a conservative estimate, he said.

Arrested Tuesday were Perry Lee Hestor, 57, Brandon Lee Hestor, 35, Christopher Neil Rafferty, 36, James Allen Donaldson, 62, and Christopher Yancy Martin, 44. All have been booked into the Fourth Avenue Jail and face charges including fraudulent schemes and illegal possession and selling of marijuana, officials said.

Gentry said those involved in the illegal enterprise posed as caregivers, which, under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, would allow them to grow up to 12 marijuana plants provided they did not live within 25 miles of a dispensary. The task force kept the warehouse under surveillance for about four months and did not witness any deliveries that exceeded 25 miles, Gentry said.

A Sheriff’s Office statement said the business is believed to have grown over 2,000 pounds of marijuana per year since they began their operation in late 2013.

Authorities were initially directed to the warehouse after complaints of a strong odor wafting in the area.

In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, sheriff’s spokesman Joaquin Enriquez explained the business flouted state standards for legal dispensaries by neglecting to have background checks for employees, dispensary fees, agent cards, safety regulations, product inspection, inventory controls, taxes and transportation limits or regulations.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said detectives believe up to 25 individuals were involved in the illegal enterprise and about 15 more suspects are under investigation.

He said the operation involved people “just trying to make money” and that investigators found no connection between the business and Mexican drug cartels.

“We cannot blame Mexico for this,” Arpaio said, tapping the wooden podium forcefully with his finger. “This is domestic. This is home grown.”

The Maricopa County Drug Suppression Task Force includes law-enforcement personnel from agencies including area police departments, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me