Their last name might have been the first clue.
Last week, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 100 block of W. Yellowstone Drive in Paulden to the home of Dirk High, age 24, and Alicia High, age 25, regarding allegations of drug use around their two children, ages 2 and 5.
Upon arrival, deputies were asked to assist Adult and Child Protective Services, who were already on the scene investigating. The two children were present and drug paraphernalia had been discovered in a bathroom by the APS representative. A further check of the bathroom revealed several syringes, spoons for cooking narcotics, and a light bulb fashioned into a drug pipe. A prescription bottle with the label removed was found on a table next to the children’s beds. Deputies confirmed the intended use of the contraband, and the danger presented in the presence of the children. An adult living in the home was apparently watching the children while their parents were away.
The CPS employee was able to contact the Highs and have them return home. When deputies questioned both of them, each admitted to smoking meth earlier in the day and acknowledged addictions to pain medication. Alicia noted she had also injected pain medication earlier that day. Both also indicated that Jami Rickard, age 30, had smoked meth with them inside the home. Rickard was interviewed and confirmed smoking meth with Dirk and Alicia earlier. All three were arrested, and the children were taken into protective custody.
During transportation to the Prescott Detention Center, Dirk complained of chest pains. Fire and ambulance crews were called to meet the deputy, and Dirk was released from custody to allow hospital care at Yavapai Regional Medical Center. Alicia High and Jami Rickard were booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center.
The investigating deputy later learned that Dirk had run from the ambulance after arriving at YRMC and was never treated. On November 23, 2013, deputies went to Dirk’s grandparents’ house in the 23000 block of Highway 89, Paulden. Dirk saw the deputies arrive and locked himself in the bathroom. A relative eventually convinced him to surrender, and he was arrested.
During booking, Dirk was found to possess additional syringes, one containing a narcotic. Dirk and Alicia were charged with Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Possession of Prescription Drugs x2, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia x2, and Child Abuse. Rickard was charged with Possession of Dangerous Drugs/Paraphernalia and Child Abuse.
All 3 suspects remain in-custody – each on a $25,000 bond.