Camp Verde AZ (July 21, 2017) – Between May 2017, and June 2017, 28-year-old Levi Jones conspired to commit 1st Degree Murder, Tampered with Witnesses and Promoting Prison Contraband while in the custody at the Camp Verde Detention Center.
In late May of 2017, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office detectives opened a case based on information obtained during an investigation at the Camp Verde jail. The results of the investigation concluded that Jones was arranging to have his co-defendant in their current case killed. That defendant is currently out on bond and the 2016 case resulted in the arrest of Jones for 1St Degree Murder after an October 10th incident at the Circle K in Camp Verde.
The investigation into the murder for hire plot concluded yesterday, July 19, 2017, and resulted in new charges against Jones including Conspiracy to commit 1st Degree Murder, Conspiracy to commit Prison Contraband and 7 counts of Tampering with a Witness. He is being held without bond.
Background- The initial investigation showed Jones was attempting to smuggle meth into the detention center with the help of 45-year-old Cher Loken of Mesa, AZ. During this investigation, detectives developed evidence that Jones was attempting to arrange the murder of his co-defendant in the 2016 case and intimidate witnesses. As result, YCSO detectives, along with assistance from the Mesa Police Department SWAT detail, served a search warrant at Loken’s home in Mesa. At the Mesa home, detectives found evidence confirming Loken was preparing to smuggle meth to Jones via US mail. She was arrested and booked into the Camp Verde Detention Center last month on a charge of Taking Contraband into a Correctional Facility. She remains in-custody on a $25,000 bond.
The final results of the case work by detectives, including interviews and the discovery of written evidence confirming the intent of Jones to murder his co-defendant, lead to probable cause that Jones attempted to arrange the murder of his co-defendant and intimidate witnesses. The pending court matter on this precludes the release of additional details. Detectives would like to thank the Mesa Police Department for their invaluable assistance.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov
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