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Arizona DPS arrests 10 people in Mesa drug bust
Posted
Independent Newsmedia
Arizona troopers have busted an illegal drug sales operation, arresting 10 people in the process.
On Wednesday, July 29, the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Maricopa County Criminal Targeting Unit served a search warrant at a Mesa residence, resulting in seven arrests and shutting down an illegal drug sales operation, according to a release.
This was not the first time detectives investigated this drug house. On July 15, a search warrant was executed, and 10 suspects were taken into custody at the same location. Among those arrested was the homeowner, Wendie Clement, 68. At that time, detectives seized numerous items including dangerous drugs, narcotics, paraphernalia, a .380 Ruger pistol and two vehicles, according to the release.
After being released from jail, the suspects returned to the residence and resumed their illegal drug enterprise, DPS states. Local residents reported heavy vehicle traffic throughout the day and night at the residence, similar to activity observed prior to the July 15 warrant execution.
During service of the July 29th search warrant, seven of the same suspects from the prior warrant were in the residence, including the homeowner, Wendie Clement, according to DPS.
Nearby residents came out of their homes while detectives were on the scene and thanked them for taking action to shut down the illegal activity taking place in the house, according to the release. As part of the ongoing attempt to make the community safer and solve the continuous problems posed by the owner of the house, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office placed a racketeering lien on the residence.
“Shutting down this drug house is a direct result of vigilant neighborhood residents reporting criminal behavior. With the assistance of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, this neighborhood is now safer,” said Lt. Col. Deston Coleman, Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigations Division at AZDPS. “Remember, if you see something, say something.”
The following is a complete list of all individuals arrested as part of this investigation, their submitted charges along with their date(s) of arrest.
Wendie Clement – July 15 and 29
Narcotic drug - possession, conspiracy, illegal control of an enterprise, prescription drug - possession/use
Mary Foley – July 15 and 29
Conspiracy, drug paraphernalia - possession/use, narcotic drug - possession, prescription drug - possession
Lyndsay Mitchell – July 15 and 29
Conspiracy, drug paraphernalia - possession/use, narcotic drug - possession/use, prescription drug - possession/use
Jason Bowen – July 15 and 29
Conspiracy, drug paraphernalia - possession/use, narcotic drug - possession/use, prescription drug - possession
Heather Pyatt – July 15 and 29
Conspiracy
Zachary Burger – July 15
Conspiracy
Stephen Lange – July 15
Conspiracy, drug paraphernalia - possession, narcotic drug - possession, prescription drug - possession