Attorney General Tom Horne: Meth Dealer Selling Drugs Out Of Home With Three Small Children Convicted

Phoenix, AZ (Tuesday, March 18, 2014) – Attorney General Tom Horne is today announcing the conviction of Brian Ray Robinson of Phoenix, Arizona for his role as methamphetamine dealer and prohibited possessor of a firearm, due to a prior felony conviction. This Defendant, along with a co-defendant, were responsible for selling multiple ounces of methamphetamine out of their family home in a west Phoenix neighborhood, where he lived with his three children.

Horne stated: “Crystal meth has surpassed cocaine as the drug of choice for young people and leaves a wake of destroyed lives in its path.  As the drug most commonly associated with violent crime in Arizona, my office will continue apprehending and convicting the criminals who bring this poison into our state, while also educating the public on its deadly effects.”

In December 2012, Detectives with the Tempe Police Department began an investigation into Defendant Robinson's methamphetamine sales, ending with a search warrant being served on his home in March 2013. After the Tempe Detectives removed a young child from the master bedroom, police searched the home and found seven ounces of methamphetamine, scales, and a handgun less than five feet from where the Defendant's child was found.

Robinson later admitted to selling methamphetamine, profiting from the sales, and having the gun. He was a prohibited possessor of firearms because he is a convicted felon and was on felony probation.

The defendant was indicted in April 2013, and on March 10, 2014, a Maricopa County jury found him guilty of all three criminal counts including possession of dangerous drugs (methamphetamine) for sale, misconduct involving weapons, and possession of drug paraphernalia. One aggravating factor was found, that the Defendant committed these crimes for financial gain. 

Robinson's sentencing is set in Maricopa County Superior Court on April 11, 2014.

For more information such as medical impact of crystal meth exposure, how to recognize a meth lab, and recognizing signs that children have been exposed to chemicals, please visit the Attorney General’s website.