7 indicted in connection with Arizona drug trafficking ring

PHOENIX — Seven people have been indicted in Arizona for their roles in a drug trafficking ring out of Cochise County, authorities announced Tuesday.

A state grand jury indicted six of the suspects on Aug. 25, according to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

The charges for Reina Jimenez, David Shuler, Daniel Kempker, James Bunch, James Morlin and Rudolph Verdugo:

• Conspiracy.
• Misconduct involving weapons.
• Illegally conducting an enterprise.
• Possession of dangerous or narcotic drugs for sale.

Verdugo pleaded guilty to one count of attempted possession of a dangerous drug for sale. His next court hearing is his sentencing, which is scheduled for Dec. 1.

The seventh suspect, Miranda Mitchell, was charged with lower-level drug offenses after search warrants were served, prosecutors said. After pleading guilty to one count of attempt to promote prison contraband, she will be sentenced on Jan. 12.

The crimes the septet are accused of allegedly took place between February 2024 and August 2025, prosecutors said.

The cases against the remaining five suspects are still pending.

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