KINGMAN – A Golden Valley man snared in a multi-agency investigation focused on two Kingman-based Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO’s) has entered a plea agreement that will send him to the Arizona Department of Corrections. John Holcomb, 57, is one of 24 defendants indicted in the Operation King Crimson investigation.
Holcomb pleaded guilty Tuesday to one felony charge reduced to conspiracy to commit possession of dangerous drugs for sale. Three possession of dangerous drugs for sale, money laundering and illegally conducting an enterprise counts are dismissed in the plea bargain.
Deputy Mohave County attorney Jefferson Pyper said Holcomb conspired with Austreberto Acoltzi-Bautista on April 3 to acquire 4 ounces of methamphetamine with an intent to sell the drugs. Acoltzi-Bautista, 48, allegedly headed up one of the two Kingman based DTO’s that authorities said used more than a dozen dealers to push drugs in area communities.
Terms of the deal required Holcomb to admit six previous felony convictions and violating probation. Holcomb faces a 4.5-15-year prison term when sentenced Dec. 22 by Judge Billy Sipe.
Dave Hawkins
