October 12, 2008

Ex-jail head faces crime investigation
Hager investigation has gone on since before he left Arizona

     BENZON, Ariz. — Former regional jail administrator Ron Hager has been swept into a Cochise County, Arizona, organized crime investigation of a reputed Mexican drug smuggler, according to a report on the San Pedro Valley News-Sun’s website.
     Hager was responsible for management and operation of that county’s three jail locations and oversaw a staff of nearly 100 before he resigned with less than 24 hours notice in November 2007.
     This week, Anthony Coulson of the Tucson District Office of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said federal officials have been investigating Hager since the fall of 2007.
     He came to their attention during “Operation Vanquish,” an organized crime drug enforcement investigation of reputed drug smuggler Carlos “Calichi” Molinares Nunez. Hager’s activities dating back to 2005 are under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Coulson said.
     Hager has been subpoenaed to testify at Nunez’ Jan. 9, 2009, trial.
     Hager resigned from the regional jail in The Dalles on Sept. 12, citing personal challenges. His resignation coincided with when he was subpoenaed.
Individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty under the rules of due process.

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