On June 9, 2017, the Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking Task Force (P.A.N.T.) served a search warrant in the 300 block of S. El Rancho Bonito Road, Cornville, Arizona.
Over the past several months, P.A.N.T. Detectives began receiving information regarding 52 year-old Bryan Ritter of Cornville and his reported involvement in the use and possession of illegal drugs among other crimes. Detectives developed probable cause and obtained a search warrant for Ritter’s residence and various drug-related crimes. At approximately 5:00 PM, P.A.N.T. Detectives and personnel from the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and Cottonwood Police Department served a search warrant on Ritter’s residence.
During the search, Detectives contacted Ritter, along with 27 year-old Misty Esler and 55 year-old Johanna Johnson, all from Cornville, inside the residence. Detectives found numerous hypodermic syringes, several grams of heroin, nearly half an ounce of methamphetamine (approximately 10+ grams), scales, empty plastic baggies, tin foil with burnt residue, glass bongs and other related drug paraphernalia in the residence.
Ritter, Esler and Johnson were arrested and taken into custody without incident. Each of them were charged with Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Possession of Narcotic Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts). All 3 remain in-custody with Ritter on a bond $5,000, Esler on a bond of $30,000 (includes a warrant), and Johnson a bond of $7500 (includes a probation violation).