Operation Clean Communities arrests seven people in Winslow on various drug charges | Navajo Hopi observer

By Randall Perry On Jun 15, 2021

Originally published: June 15, 2021 9:06 am

HOLBROOK, Ariz. – As of June 9, Operation Clean Communities in Winslow has resulted in 31 arrests, the seizure of five weapons, 188 fentanyl pills, 1.25 pounds of methamphetamine and 145 mg of methadone.

Operation Clean Communities began on May 13th. Agencies involved in the operation include MCAT, Winslow Police Department, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Patrol, Navajo County Probation Service, Arizona Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations, and the Arizona State Gang Task Force. These agencies have focused on selling opioids and drugs in the town of Winslow.

Recently, MCAT Detectives with the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office arrested three people on June 7 and another four on June 8 on a variety of drug charges as part of the operation.

On June 7th, MCAT Detectives conducted a traffic stop in Winslow, during which 30 fentanyl tablets were confiscated.

During the traffic control, the vehicle’s passenger, Danny Bourque, 22, of Winslow, had a confirmed arrest warrant and was found in possession of an M30 pill (fentanyl).

During the investigation, information was gathered that Bourque was suspected of selling narcotics in the Winslow area. A search warrant was issued and carried out at the Winslow residence, resulting in the seizure of 111 M30 pills and a stolen weapon. The gun was reported stolen by the Phoenix Police in 1984.

Three people were arrested and taken to the Navajo County Jail. Bourque has been charged with possession of narcotic drugs on two counts, possession of drug paraphernalia, no-show and possession of narcotics for sale in two cases. Matthew Joseph Jacot, 26, and Melissa Lynn Yonnie, 25, both from Winslow, have been charged with possession of a narcotic drug and drug paraphernalia.

On June 8, MCAT Detectives arrested four other people on various drug charges.

Using traditional investigative techniques, officers observed a drug deal in the town of Winslow during the operation.

The observation resulted in a traffic stop and then a search warrant issued in a house in Holbrook. During the search, officers confiscated 1.17 pounds of methamphetamine, 56 M30 pills (fentanyl) and a firearm.

Tyro Vernon King, 40, Bernice Yolanda Jaramillo, 53, Joseph Michael Lomeli, 59, and Marisa L. King, 36, all of Winslow, have been charged with various drug-selling and possession charges.

King and Lomeli were also charged with child endangerment due to the presence of a six year old boy in their home.