The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has received a $9000 grant award from the Yavapai County Community Foundation (YCCF) to help offset expenses involving K9 units within YCSO. This award will benefit our drug interdiction dog teams and search dogs assigned to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Response Team (YCSRT). Sheriff Mascher and all involved with these YCSO K9 units are extremely appreciative of the ongoing financial support from YCCF.   

The monies are designated for K9 supplies and training. YCSO currently deploys four patrol K9 units around Yavapai County specifically assigned to drug interdiction on major interstates and highways. Sgt. Jeff Jaeger, who supervises the team, stated their portion of the money will be used for training and equipment including portable kennels, training toys, leashes, etc. Search dog team handlers will utilize their monies for training, K9 first aid supplies and rattlesnake vaccinations, along with radio and GPS equipment. This money is an invaluable aid to both units who provide a great service to the residents of Yavapai County.  

On August 10, 2011, a K9 deputy working drug interdiction confiscated in excess of 3.5 pounds of marijuana following a traffic stop on I40 at Crookton Road, Seligman. In the incident, marijuana was located without use of a K9 because the suspect admitted possession after realizing the deputy’s stated purpose. At approximately 1:30 PM, the deputy stopped an eastbound silver Ford Taurus for speeding. During a discussion about the traffic violation, the male passenger admitted there were a “couple of pounds” of marijuana in the vehicle.  The passenger was identified as 63-year-old Tomie Adams from Oklahoma. Deputies located 3.5 pounds of high grade marijuana in an ice chest stored in the vehicle’s trunk. The estimated street value is $18,000. Adams was arrested for Transportation of Marijuana for Sales and booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center. He remains in-custody on a $ 20,000 bond.

The driver and suspect’s daughter claimed she was not aware her dad was transporting marijuana and expressed extreme disappointment with his actions.   

For further information on YCCF, see - http://www.yavapaifoundation.org/

Information regarding the YCSRT Search Dog Unit is available at http://www.ycsrt.org/search-dog.htm

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at (928) 771-3260 or the YCSO website:  www.ycsoaz.gov