BULLHEAD CITY – A one-year prison sentence has been ordered for a Bullhead City man who was hauling two kg of cocaine when pulled over for a speeding violation. The punishment ordered November 10 for Gustavo Gutierrez, 32, was stipulated in a plea agreement convicting Gutierrez of a charge reduced to attempted facilitation to commit possession of narcotic drugs for sale.
The cocaine with a street value estimated at $84,000 were seized during a March 28 traffic stop in the 1400 block of Aztec Road in Fort Mohave. Mohave County Superior Court Judge Lee Jantzen approved the plea deal after asking why so little prison time was mandated in the deal.
Deputy Mohave County Attorney Carlos Lopez answered that authorities were not able to examine the contents of the defendant’s cellphone that they suspected might include incriminating drug dealing transaction related communication. Lopez also said that a search of Gutierrez’ home did not produce additional seizure of illegal drugs.
Some 28 days already spent in custody will be subtracted from the year-long prison sentence. Judge Jantzen also ordered forfeiture of more than $4,600 in currency seized, along with the drugs, during the traffic stop.
Dave Hawkins
