Beginning in February 2017, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit began an investigation on a Meth Trafficking Organization in the Sierra Vista area.
During the investigation, two search warrants and a number of arrests were made. Detectives became aware that Robert Cleere, living in a residence on Plaza Vista in Sierra Vista, was selling large amounts of methamphetamine.
Also during this investigation, Kristen Blan and Alexis Cook were arrested with ties to Robert Cleere. Blan was in possession of nearly 1 ounce of meth, a loaded handgun, and drug paraphernalia. Cook was in possession of approximately 6 grams of meth, usable amounts of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. A vehicle was seized for forfeiture based on this incident.
Surveillance continued on persons affiliated with Cleere. Henry Dubose was identified as a mid-level meth dealer in Sierra Vista, who is often supplied by Cleere. In mid-March, Dubose was arrested as he left Cleere’s apartment. Dubose was accompanied by Erik Pierce. Dubose attempted to destroy the evidence (meth) by dumping it out of the bag that it was contained in while in transit. Dubose was in possession of approximately 1 oz of meth that he purchased from Cleere. Dubose and Pierce were both arrested and booked into CCSO Jail.
A search warrant was executed on Dubose’s residence, off of Peterson in Sierra Vista. This residence had been identified as a residence selling illegal drugs by multiple persons. As a result of the search warrant, Teri Malot and Carl Butler were arrested for being in possession of drug paraphernalia and heroin. These illegal items were located in the bedroom they shared in that residence. At time of arrest, Butler was out on conditions of release for another felony drug case in which he is awaiting sentencing.
On Wednesday March 29, 2017, a search warrant was executed by CCSO SWAT at Cleere’s residence on Plaza Vista. Arrested were Cleere and Derek Childs. Illegal drugs, weapons, equipment to weigh/package/distribute illegal drugs, and US Currency were seized from Cleere’s bedroom. Cleere was arrested for multiple felony offenses relating to illegal drugs and prohibited possessor of weapons. Childs was arrested for possessing drug paraphernalia. During this arrest, Childs was out of custody on bond/conditions of release/ for an Aggravated Assault case from 2016.
The investigation is being continued by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office.