Man gets 15 years for conspiracy to sell meth

'Ringleader' in meth bust accepts 15 years, wife eyes probation


Erin Taylor
Miner Staff Reporter

KINGMAN - Two more defendants, including one characterized as the leader of a major methamphetamine ring in Kingman, have taken plea deals in the "Operation Picture Perfect" case.

Jose J. Ochoa, 37, pled guilty Wednesday to four felony charges, including conspiracy to sell dangerous drugs, two counts of attempted transportation of dangerous drugs for sale and one count of money laundering in the second degree.

Under terms of the agreement, he will receive 15 years in prison.

Ochoa's wife, Deaney, 32, also pled guilty Wednesday to one count of felony conspiracy to sell dangerous drugs. She will receive supervised probation and could be sentenced to up to six months in prison.

County Attorney Greg McPhillips said Jose entered into the agreement on the pretext that his wife receive probation.

"While I think they're both culpable, I think he's more culpable," he said.

Of the 18 suspects arrested as part of "Operation Picture Perfect" in April 2008, 12, including the Ochoas, have accepted plea deals from the state. The remaining six defendants are set to go to trial March 2.

Jose Ochoa has been characterized as the ringleader of the group accused of bringing more than 520 pounds of methamphetamine into Kingman each year.

"Jose is the one most responsible for bringing in large amounts of methamphetamine," McPhillips said.

He added that the case is unusual not only because of the large number of defendants involved but because each person has a different level of involvement and some of the suspects have no previous criminal histories, which is a factor during sentencing.