Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced that seven individuals have been indicted for their involvement in an illegal drug operation in Cochise County. The indictments were handed down by a State Grand Jury on August 25, 2025. Those charged include Reina Jimenez, David Shuler, Daniel Kempker, James Bunch, Rudolph Verdugo, and James Morlin. The charges cover offenses such as illegally conducting an enterprise, conspiracy, possession of dangerous or narcotic drugs for sale, and misconduct involving weapons. These charges are connected to transactions involving methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and firearms that allegedly took place between February 2024 and August 2025.
Miranda Mitchell was also indicted but faces lower-level drug charges following the execution of search warrants.
Court proceedings for most defendants are ongoing. Reina Jimenez and David Shuler both have pre-trial conferences scheduled for November 24, 2025. Daniel Kempker’s pre-trial conference is set for December 1, 2025. James Bunch will appear for his pre-trial conference on December 8, 2025. Rudolph Verdugo has pleaded guilty to one count of attempted possession of a dangerous drug for sale and is awaiting sentencing on December 1, 2025. Miranda Mitchell has pleaded guilty to attempting to promote prison contraband and is scheduled for sentencing on January 12, 2026. James Morlin’s next court date is a change of plea and sentencing hearing on December 1, 2025.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety led the investigation into this case. Assistant Attorney General Matt Eklund is prosecuting the matter.
“A copy of the indictment is available here.”
