LAKE HAVASU CITY — A man involved in a violent hotel room intrusion and robbery in Lake Havasu City and other crimes is being given a chance to better himself in a controlled environment rather than returning to prison. Veteran Mohave County Superior Court judge Lee Jantzen chose probation over prison during an April 8 sentencing hearing for Caleb Crandall, 28, Kingman.
Crandall pleaded guilty for his involvement in the May 23, 2024 armed robbery of a man at the Studio 6 Suites property in the 13 hundred block of McCulloch Boulevard. Through a plea agreement, he was also convicted of misconduct involving weapons and possessing drug paraphernalia in unrelated cases.
Facing up to 13 years of prison, Crandall drew vigorous support from Jaimye Ashley, the defense attorney who lobbied hard for a prison alternative. Ashley had arranged for Crandall’s placement at the John Volken Academy, but required Court approval for the rehabilitation effort.
Its website describes the Academy as a long-term residential program focused on life skills training and behavioral modification. Its closest facility is located just outside Phoenix.
Ashley said Crandall is a changed man following the birth of a son. She said he is newly motivated to become a law abiding citizen and that the Academy will provide the structure he needs to turn his life around.
“I’ve been to prison before. I feel like it just made me worse,” Crandall told the Court, asking for Academy placement. “I really do want to change my life.”
“It’s not the prison’s fault that he’s here again,” countered Leah Nelson, the prosecutor who argued that the ex-con should be returned to the Arizona Department of Corrections. “At some point individuals have to take personal responsibility for their actions.”
Jantzen made clear that he was undecided about the Academy proposition. He noted its founder claims a better than 60% success rate with helping probationers learn to lead productive lives.
“I’m going to take a chance,” said Jantzen, noting that he is impressed by Crandall’s pledge to straighten up. He said the defendant had earned the right of opportunity for rehabilitation, and he approved the plan to place Crandall in the Academy for two years.
Jantzen directed the Probation Department to provide updates on Crandall’s progress at the Academy every 90 days. He advised Crandall that he’ll go to prison for at least a decade if he fails the Academy or violates probation.
