Ernest Joseph Longhini III, age 30, of Anthem, has been arrested and charged with 24 counts related to sexual conduct with a minor, administering a narcotic drug to another, child abuse, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sheriff’s Office detectives made the arrest yesterday following an investigation that began after receiving a tip several weeks ago that involved a man trading methamphetamines and heroin for sexual favors.
During the investigation, detectives received information that a 16 year old female runaway was staying at the residence located at 50520 N. Territory Trail in Anthem with Longhini and that he was injecting her with drugs. Prior to making the arrest, detectives found evidence on the property of drug use, including hypodermic needles containing fluid that tested positive for heroin. While surveilling the home on July 7th, detectives witnessed the female exiting the house through a bedroom window and made contact with her. The female confirmed that the suspect did inject her with heroin on numerous occasions and she believed he had done the same with her twin sister.
Longhini, whom detectives were told was suicidal and possessed a handgun, was arrested after being convinced to surrender. He admitted to detectives that he had injected heroin into a total of 3 different under-aged girls on multiple occasions in exchange for sex.
“Heroin is a big problem in this country,” said Sheriff Arpaio. “Controlling these underage runaway girls with drugs as this suspect did, is not only criminal, it is terrifying for other parents of troubled teens.”
The suspect was booked into the 4th Avenue Jail.