‘Operation Mohave Typewriter’: 15 arrested in western Arizona drug, firearms trafficking sting

PHOENIX — Fifteen people were arrested in western Arizona after a monthslong undercover operation, dubbed “Operation Mohave Typewriter,” the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) announced.

In the operation, the sheriff’s office partnered with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mohave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team.

The sting lasted nine months and targeted people suspected of trafficking drugs and firearms in Mohave County.

Authorities were able to seize more than 32 pounds of methamphetamine, 1 gram of powder fentanyl, 26 40mm grenades and 28 guns from convicted felons.

Of the guns seized in this operation, three were fully automatic, one was a ghost gun and four had been reported stolen.

Who was arrested as part of “Operation Mohave Typewriter?”

This operation led to the arrests of 15 people. They are listed below, along with the charges they are facing.

• David Alan Baker, 51, is facing two counts of possession of a weapon by a prohibited person and two counts of trafficking in stolen property.
• David James Daniels, 58, is facing three counts of possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, trafficking in stolen property and possession of narcotic drugs.
• Joan Louise Lapointe, 63, is facing two counts of sale of dangerous drugs and transport of dangerous drugs for sale.
• Mathew Montijo, 50, is facing three counts of selling prohibited weapons and misconduct involving weapons.
• Richard Damon Eldrige, 44, is facing four counts of misconduct involving a firearm, six counts of sale of dangerous drugs and four counts of transport of dangerous drugs for sale.
• Richard Ryan Hanson, 53, is facing two counts of possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, trafficking in stolen property and burglary.
• Rosemary Ann Gomez, 39, is facing six counts of misconduct involving a firearm, three counts of sale of dangerous drugs, two counts of transporting dangerous drugs for sale, promoting prison contraband and possession of dangerous drugs.
• Shayleigh Joanne Wolsey, 34, is facing a charge of possession of dangerous drugs for sale and transporting dangerous drugs for sale.
• Michelle Diane Dahl, 57, is facing a charge of possession of dangerous drugs for sale and transportation of dangerous drugs for sale.
• Hugo Dominguez-Rodriguez, 39, is facing three counts of possession of dangerous drugs for sale and three counts of transportation of dangerous drugs.
• Jordan Andrew Purdy, 34, is facing a charge of possession of a weapon by a prohibited person.
• Tyler Ian Troy Stidham, 22, is facing a burglary charge.
• Scott Alle Bell, 62, is facing a felony parole violation charge and five misdemeanor charges for contempt of court.
• Christopher Michael Donnelson, 29, is facing two felony parole violation charges.
• Tanya Marie Bales, 37, is facing a charge of possession of dangerous drugs.

MCSO said more people could be charged as part of “Operation Mohave Typewriter” and that those who have already been arrested could face additional charges.

The sheriff’s office was also assisted by the Bullhead City Police Department and Flagstaff Police Department in this operation.

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