Approximately 200 Fentanyl pills also Seized
Camp Verde AZ (August 30, 2019) – This type of cooperation between patrol deputies and our local police department officers with the Partner’s Against Narcotics Trafficking task force (PANT), is typical of what happens throughout the year. The multi-agency task force brings expertise and personnel to help take down dealers like this. The patrol deputy, in this case, did a great job on the initial investigation while sharing insight with PANT on his case.
In late July of this year, YCSO deputies were dispatched to a home in the 600 block of Armetta Drive, Camp Verde, regarding a fraud complaint. The victim suspected that 26-year-old Lance Suer was committing identity theft and had opened up a credit card in his, the victim’s, name. Lance was residing on Teepee Terrace in Rimrock where the victim was still receiving mail. The victim alleged that Lance received a credit card offer and opened an account in his name. Deputies obtained a credit card statement showing most of the purchases were in the Rimrock area. The current bill was nearly $300.
During the following week, deputies obtained security video stills from some of the stores where the credit card was used. The suspect using the card matched Lance’s description. During the early part of August, Lance could not be found. Finally, on August 23, 2019, deputies located Lance at the Teepee Terrace home and arrested him on fraud charges. Lance admitted to opening the credit card account and using the card in the area to buy gas, food, and cigarettes. Lance was still in possession of the card which was recovered. During the arrest, Lance was in possession of 2 grams of methamphetamine found in his right front pocket and he was additionally charged with Possession of a Dangerous Drug.
Lance was booked into the Camp Verde Detention Center on fraud and drug charges.
Detectives from PANT contacted the arresting deputy after learning of his investigation. PANT detectives already had general knowledge from the public that Lance was involved in ongoing drug sales from the Teepee Terrace home. Based on the investigation by the YCSO patrol deputy and the recovery of drugs from Lance, PANT detectives sought and obtained a search warrant for the Teepee Terrace home.
On August 23, 2019, in the early afternoon, PANT detectives served the warrant. At the time, the home was unoccupied. The arresting deputy was also present and identified Lance’s room to search detectives. In his room, detectives found a methamphetamine ‘bong,’ and a plastic bag containing 3 pills marked ‘M/30’ presumed to be fentanyl. When a safe in the bedroom was opened, detectives recovered ½ ounce of heroin, ½ ounce of cocaine, 13 LSD tabs, 189 pills marked ‘M/30’ which is presumed fentanyl based on marking and appearance, and 13 fake Zanax pills suspected to fentanyl.
Detectives estimate a street value on the pills of $4000, $1700 for the heroin, and $1800 for the cocaine.
Lance was additionally charged with 4 counts Possession of Narcotic Drugs for Sale. He remains in-custody on a $50,000 bond.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov