BULLHEAD CITY – A Bullhead City teenager has been informed that 115.25 years in prison would be his maximum possible punishment if convicted of the nine felony offenses listed in his Mohave County Grand Jury indictment. Phoenix attorney Daisy Mazoff entered not guilty pleas during Thursday’s arraignment for Matthew Swaim, 19.
Swaim is charged with five counts of transfer or sale of drugs to a minor, involving a minor in a drug sale, possession of marijuana for sale, forgery and possession of a weapon in the commission of a drug offense.
Swaim was arrested and jailed on February 19 following a search of his residence at 432 Santa Maria Road. A Probable Cause (PC) statement prepared by Bullhead City police officer Alexander Gutierrez said Swaim was identified as a suspect on January 10 and that the basis for the search of his residence was social media indicating he continued to speak with minors he knew were not old enough to use marijuana products.
“Matthew’s social media also included arrangements to meet with other subjects to sell black market marijuana and THC products, as well as photos with him holding a firearm and offering to sell to other subjects, to include minors,” the PC statement said. “Matthew’s offers of selling guns to children alarmed police and the execution of the search warrant for Matthew and his residence was carried out.”
Gutierrez reported that the search produced seizure of more than 40 THC cartridges, marijuana leaves, a white powderybstance, bongs, digital scales and other paraphernalia. Also confiscated were 78 counterfeit $20 bills a loaded Glock 19 9mm pistol with a magazine, a black extended magazine and a Sig Sauer 9 mm magazine.
The PC statement indicated that Swaim provided a candid confession when interviewed at the police department. He reportedly admitted having no job other than using his cell phone and social media (Instagram and Potato Chat) to conduct drug transactions with people, including minors.
“Matthew would elaborate that he obtains his THC cartridges in bulk, from another source, and sells them individually for $30,” the statement said.
Police spokesperson Emily Fromelt said authorities have not yet learned who illegally provided Swaim the drugs, weapon and ammunition. She said additional arrests are possible, pending ongoing investigation.
Swaim is held in the Adult Detention Facility in Kingman with bond set at $95,000. An April 1 pre-trial conference is scheduled before Mohave County Superior Court Judge Derek Carlisle.
Dave Hawkins
