KINGMAN – Another defendant snared in the Operation King Crimson wire tape investigation of two alleged Kingman based drug rings has entered a mandatory prison plea agreement. Willard Campbell, 45, Kingman, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of conspiracy to commit possession of dangerous drugs for sale.

Authorities last November, at the culmination of a 21-month investigation announced the arrests of two dozen people 28-70 years of age for their alleged involvement in drug dealing organizations they said were led by Carlos Ochoa-Quinones, 31, and Austreberto Acoltzi-Bautista 49. Campbell admitted purchasing methamphetamine at Acoltzi-Bautista’s trailer at least twice last year.

A March 25, 2020 cash exchange saw Campbell secure 3-1/4 ounces of meth, according to Assistant Arizona Attorney General Rebecca Kennelley. She is prosecuting the cases arising from the investigation.

The plea deal allows Campbell temporary release from the Adult Detention Center and the agreement is null and void if he fails to attend a May 7 hearing where he faces a 3–10-year prison term when sentenced by Superior Court Judge Derek Carlisle.

Dave Hawkins