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Fundraiser for top Arizona Republicans accused of running meth lab

7 years 11 months 3 weeks ago Wednesday, April 27 2016 Apr 27, 2016 April 27, 2016 10:22 AM April 27, 2016 in News
Source: WBRZ
Image: KNXV-TV

PHOENIX - An Arizona woman who worked for top Republicans in the state and is now a political fundraiser is facing several felony drug charges after sheriff’s office deputies raider the home she lives in with her boyfriend and two children.

A sheriff’s spokesman says 35-year-old Emily Pitha was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon after her boyfriend signed for a package that contained more than 250 grams of ecstasy.

KNXV-TV in Phoenix reports undercover detectives and postal inspectors raided the home following the controlled delivery.

Detectives said they found methamphetamine, LSD, heroin, cocaine and what appeared to be an operational meth lab along with numerous chemicals and a large amount of cash. Investigators say drugs were “all over the home” and easily accessible by the 5 and 10-year-old children living in the home.

Pitha would not talk to deputies and was booked into jail late Tuesday. Her boyfriend, 36-year-old Christopher Hustrulid, is also behind bars.

Neighbors said they were realized that detectives made the discover.

"He seems like a great guy, but I think that is what allows it to be successful-- you don't look like the stereotype," said neighbor Jack Griffin. “I would never believe that. But when you see things like this on the news, no neighbor thinks their neighbor is doing something like that. You just have to be cautious.”

Boyfriend Hustrulid’s LinkIn account lists his employment as “procurement liaison.”

Pitha was working as a consultant, arranging fundraisers for Sen. John McCain. Previously, she has worked for Sen. Jeff Flake and former senator John Kyl, according to LinkedIn.

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