BULLHEAD CITY – Mohave County Superior Court judge Lee Jantzen said he changed his mind more than once whether he would send a Bullhead City man to prison or place him on probation in his drug case. He told Chad Loftin, 42, that he was giving him an opportunity for probation, despite his legal history.
“Your record is pretty spotty over the years,” Jantzen said during a March 23 sentencing hearing. “It’s kind of strange to see you involved with this again.”
An Oct. 22, 2025 traffic stop near the intersection of Riverside Drive and Orca Lane led to a search of the vehicle Loftin occupied. Police department public information officer Emily Fromelt said officers seized more than two ounces of fentanyl, acid strips and various amounts of methamphetamine and counterfeit M-30 pills, two firearms, ammunition and cash believed to be drug sale proceeds.
Loftin expressed hope to continue to care for his father, his pregnant wife and deal with his own health issues. He said a downward life spiral occurred when he had a difficult time dealing with the death of his mother.
“I fell down the hole after that, for a minute,” Loftin told judge Jantzen. “This will be the last time you see me in court.”
Jantzen imposed a 120-day jail sentence and ordered Loftin to perform 80 hours of community work service. He encouraged him to keep clean and remain law abiding while on probation for four years.
“I think the hard work begins for you now,” Jantzen said.
Dave Hawkins
