KINGMAN, Ariz. – A Kingman woman sobbed her way through the end of a sentencing hearing during which her plea for probation was rejected in favor of prison. Michelle Dahl, 58, is among 15 defendants arrested last Aug. in the multi-agency “Operation Mohave Typewriter” drug and firearms trafficking investigation.
Dahl pleaded guilty to sale of dangerous drugs, about two ounces of methamphetamine, to an undercover Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms agent in the 3800 block of Lum Avenue in Kingman on Dec. 19, 2024. She was also convicted of transporting four more ounces of methamphetamine to sell to the same agent on Aug. 6, 2025.
Dahl and defense attorney Emily Weiss argued for probation at a July 1 sentencing hearing. “Mrs. Dahl’s involvement was essentially marginal,” said Weiss, adding that her client wants treatment for substance abuse.
Prosecutor Phillip Delgado urged prison punishment, noting case co-defendant Joan Lapointe, 64, Kingman is serving an 11-year term in the Arizona Department of Corrections.
“This is someone who was deeply involved in this drug trafficking organization,” Delgado said. He said Dahl is responsible for providing multiple ounces of meth and taking advantage of addicts to maintain her lifestyle through drug sales.
“I do not wish to make excuses. My decision-making was very bad,” Dahl told Judge Ryan Esplin. “I know that I can successfully complete probation to become a productive member of this community.”
“I’m going to sentence you to the Department of Corrections,” Esplin said, explaining that methamphetamine “seriously harms and kills people.”
Esplin said Dahl was less culpable than Lapointe and he ordered a six-year prison term.
