CHLORIDE — A 25-year prison term has been imposed for a Chloride man charged with 14 other defendants in the “Operation Mohave Typewriter” investigation of drug and firearms trafficking in northwest Arizona.
The sentence ordered March 6 for Richard Eldridge, 47, was stipulated in a plea agreement convicting him of two dangerous drug related charges. 13 other charges against Eldridge are dismissed in the plea deal.
Eldridge admitted selling methamphetamine to an undercover officer on two occasions, more than 15 grams in Jan., 2025 and 46 grams more in Feb., 2025.
Offered opportunity to address Mohave County Superior Court Judge Derek Carlisle, Eldridge simply indicated he was ready to move forward and be sent to the Arizona Department of Corrections.
Authorities said a 9-month investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies produced the seizure of 32 pounds of methamphetamine, an ounce of fentanyl powder, 28 firearms and 26 hand grenades.
