Phoenix Drug Dealer Given Three Life Sentences

(Phoenix, Ariz. – May 12, 2006) Attorney General Terry Goddard today announced that Bernie Junior Ramirez, also known as “Jimmi the Pimp,” was sentenced in Maricopa County Superior Court to three concurrent life sentences under Arizona’s Serious Drug Offender law.

Ramirez, 33, was found guilty in April of conspiracy, two counts of possession of narcotic drugs for sale, two counts of possession of marijuana for sale, transfer of dangerous drugs to a minor and two counts of sexual conduct with a minor. He had three prior felony convictions.

The defendant was a drug dealer for at least four years before Phoenix police raided the house he rented in March 2004 after investigating neighborhood complaints. Ramirez sold cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana at the house. Neighbors described the traffic at the house as being "like a Circle K." Police recovered about 100 grams of cocaine and four pounds of marijuana. They also seized $20,000 in cash and a Range Rover he had just purchased.

The defendant's drug house was across the street from North Canyon High School in north Phoenix. He primarily dealt drugs to young women.

Assistant Attorneys General Jane McLaughlin and Paula Alleman prosecuted this case. Ramirez also faces kidnapping and sexual assault charges. His trial on those charges is set to begin June 5 before Judge Gary Donahoe. That case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jeff Rueter.