(Phoenix, Ariz. – September 24, 2004) The Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in a joint operation with local law enforcement, arrested eight suspects this week involved in a large scale marijuana trafficking organization. The investigation began in March 2004 with State, Federal and local agencies and revealed discussions regarding the purchasing and selling of marijuana and/or other drugs.
The suspects indicted by the State Grand Jury and arrested are: Elizabeth Esther Celaya; Richard Trinidad; Ledale Morrison Miles, Jr. a.k.a. Pooh; Jose Guadalupe Nevarez; Joel Rascon Gutierrez; Victor Ray Sesma; Angel Jose Silva a.k.a. Oso; and Adam Alexander Vigil. All are charged with one count of Conspiracy to Illegally Conduct an Enterprise; one count of Illegally Conducting an Enterprise; and one or more counts of Use of a Wire Communication in a Drug Related Transaction
Nevarez was also indicted on an additional count of Possession of Marijuana for Sale in an Amount over the Statutory Threshold, and Vigil was charged with an additional count of Offer to Sell or Transfer Marijuana.
The collaborative effort in this investigation by Attorney General’s Office, DEA, and local law enforcement led to the seizure of weapons and approximately 130 pounds of drug evidence. If convicted, the defendants could face up to 12.5 years in prison. Assistant Attorneys General, Lou Giaquinto and Julie Swingle are assigned to the case.