BULLHEAD CITY — The Bullhead City teenager charged with selling marijuana-laced vape products to younger kids has avoided prison, provide he complies with terms of probation. 19-year-old Matthew Swaim was arrested in February when a search of his residence at 432 Santa Maria Road netted seizure of dozens of vape cartridges, counterfeit currency, a pistol and ammunition.
Police said Swaim’s Instagram account contained incrimination communication about drug transactions. Swaim was informed at a late March hearing that he faced up to 115 years in prison if convicted of all charges and given maximum punishment.
Swaim instead pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted involving or using a minor in a drug offense. He was eligible for probation but also faced up to 17 years in prison as he appeared for sentencing on April 30.
“I am truly sorry for the pain I’ve caused to victims and their families,” Swaim said. “I would like another chance to show what I’m capable of doing.”
Swaim asked for mercy and the opportunity to serve probation and help raise his one-year-old son.
Mohave County Superior Court Judge Derek Carlisle placed Swaim on probation for five years, but rejected deputy Mohave County Attorney Phillip Delgado’s request for a prison sentence.
“I think more jail time is appropriate,” Carlisle said. He imposed a 183-day jail sentence, crediting Swaim with 70 days already spent in custody.v
