Attorney General Mayes Announces Indictments in Drug and Weapons Case in Cochise County

PHOENIX – Attorney General Mayes today announced the indictment of seven individuals for their roles in an illicit drug enterprise in Cochise County. On August 25, 2025, a State Grand Jury indicted Reina Jimenez, David Shuler, Daniel Kempker, James Bunch, Rudolph Verdugo, and James Morlin for offenses including Illegally Conducting an Enterprise, Conspiracy, Possession of Dangerous or Narcotic Drugs for Sale, and Misconduct Involving Weapons, relating to a series of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and firearm transactions. The crimes are alleged to have occurred between February 2024 and August 2025. 

Another individual, Miranda Mitchell, was indicted with lower-level drug offenses after search warrants were served.

Reina Jimenez’s case is still pending and her next court hearing is a Pre-Trial Conference scheduled on November 24, 2025. 

David’s Shuler’s case is still pending and his next court hearing is a Pre-Trial Conference scheduled on November 24, 2025.

Daniel Kempker’s case is still pending and his next court hearing is a Pre-Trial Conference scheduled on December 1, 2025.

James Bunch’s case is still pending and his next court hearing is a Pre-Trial Conference scheduled on December 8, 2025.

Rudolph Verdugo has pleaded guilty to one count of Attempted Possession of a Dangerous Drug for Sale, a Class 3 Felony, and his next court hearing is a sentencing December 1, 2025.

Miranda Mitchell has pleaded guilty to one count of Attempt to Promote Prison Contraband, a Class 3 Felony, and her next court hearing is a sentencing on January 12, 2026

James Morlin’s case is still pending and his next court hearing is a Change of Plea/Sentencing scheduled on December 1, 2025.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety investigated this case, and Assistant Attorney General Matt Eklund is prosecuting the case. A copy of the indictment is available here.