Former LHCPD Chief Joins Attorneys for Critical Tuesday Meeting

In a notable development concerning a former Lake Havasu City police detective, Police Chief Troy Stirling is set to meet with attorneys on election day. This follows ongoing legal proceedings against John Hickey Johnson, aged 54, who has been charged with serious offenses related to the police department’s evidence room and the misappropriation of funds designated for undercover operations.

During a Friday status conference, Yavapai County prosecutor Nathan Best and defense attorney Jaimye Ashley informed Superior Court Judge Lee Jantzen about their intentions to convene in Kingman. They plan to examine a substantial amount of evidence in a case that has experienced significant delays over the years.

Johnson, a former detective with 16 years of service, was indicted in April 2016 on 48 felony charges, which encompass forgery, fraud, and theft. His resignation from the Lake Havasu City Police Department coincided with allegations that he illicitly removed drugs from the evidence room and absconded with nearly $5,000 from undisclosed undercover funds.

Due to conflicts of interest arising from ongoing connections to Johnson and the department, Mohave County attorney Matt Smith transferred the case to Yavapai County. Best recently took over the case and indicated that Chief Stirling would act as the “case agent,” facilitating a review of three banker boxes full of evidence.

“He’s coming with massive amounts of boxes of stuff,” Ashley remarked, underscoring the extensive nature of the evidence involved. The attorneys anticipate going through approximately 4,000 pages of discovery along with numerous recorded interviews.

Judge Jantzen expressed optimism regarding the renewed focus on the case. “I’m happy to hear of this new approach,” he stated, hoping it signifies a progression toward resolution.

To facilitate the review process, Ashley noted that printers and flash drives would be employed to copy and store critical information. Best indicated that following their assessment of the evidence, they would be better equipped to consider potential plea agreements or proceed to trial.

A follow-up hearing has been scheduled for January 24, 2025, to allow the attorneys to report on their progress.