LAKE HAVASU CITY – A Lake Havasu City woman arrested following a significant summertime drug seizure appeared for sentencing in Kingman Friday. Shannon Winker, 38, and Michael Seedorf, 48, were taken into custody following an Aug. 7 traffic stop on Sweetwater Avenue.
Lake Havasu City police sergeant Kyle Ridgeway said the department’s K-9, Echo, alerted on the vehicle during an open-air sniff. He said officers confiscated about ¼ pound of methamphetamine, nearly 500 fentanyl pills, $1,741 in cash and a loaded 9mm handgun.
While the prosecutor pushed for a prison sentence, defense attorney Dominic Mendoza urged the Court to give Winker a chance to better herself through probation. He said she has enjoyed some success battling drug addiction in the past and that she was dealing with homelessness and loss of her partner to the criminal justice system and other unique life circumstances at the time of her arrest.
Winker pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of attempted possession of narcotic drugs for sale. Possession of dangerous drugs, a firearm offense and other drug related counts are dismissed in the deal.
Mohave County Superior Court said he was concerned about the 470 fentanyl pills.
“It’s an ugly drug,” Judge Jantzen said. “This is bad stuff.”
Jantzen sided with Mendoza and placed Winker on probation for four years. She also must serve 150 days in custody with credit for 29 days already served, and report to the Adult Detention Facility by Jan. 27.
Seedorf’s criminal case is still pending.
Dave Hawkins
