Trials and Cases

Sentencing Update: On January 6, 2024, Honorable Derek Carlisle sentenced Bradley Manseau to life in prison, with 50 additional years in prison following his life term, for sexually abusing the Victim over a six-year timespan.

DECEMBER 6, 2024 – LOCAL MAN CONVICTED OF REPEATEDLY SEXUALLY ABUSING A MINOR

On December 6, 2024, a Mohave County jury found Bradley James Manseau guilty of three counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor under 15 years of age and one count of Attempted Sexual Conduct with a  Minor under 15 years of age. The jury further found that the Victim had suffered emotional harm from the abuse Manseau inflicted. These events occurred between 2015-2021. 

This case stemmed from a disclosure made by the Victim to her teacher and counselor that Manseau had sexually abused her. The investigation shed light on many disturbing details of the crimes suffered by the Victim when she was very young. The investigation also found horrific web searches for specific types of pornography, which Manseau’s own brother referred to as “ungodly.”

The State also introduced evidence of some of Manseau’s jail phone calls where he is heard enlisting the help of family members to try to help manipulate and pressure the Victim into recanting. Liz Meins, Domestic Violence Advocate with the Mohave County Victim Witness Department, called this trial “one of the most prolific trials I have ever been involved with.” This case was tried by Amanda Claerhout, a Deputy County Attorney who serves as the lead attorney for the child sex crimes unit and is a part of the felony trial team within the Mohave County Attorney’s Office. This case marked Ms. Claerhout’s 59th trial with Mohave County. Claerhout praised the efforts of legal intern, Sarah Esgro, whose herculean efforts, in reviewing hundreds of jail calls, yielded multiple items of useful evidence which had a significant impact on the trial outcome. Claerhout also commends Detective J. Lucero of the Kingman Police Department, for his great work on the case. 

Manseau awaits sentencing on January 6, 2024, where he is facing three consecutive life sentences plus an additional 5-15 years. The Victim expressed relief that justice was served and that her voice was heard. 

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On January 6, 2025, after approximately 7 hours of deliberations, a Mohave County jury found Steve Elizondo guilty on two counts of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Minor for two separate victims. 

During trial, the Victims testified that Elizondo would sexually abuse them individually and together. One victim testified that the abuse was very frequent and would happen multiple times a month for years. Throughout the trial it was apparent that Elizondo manipulated the Victims into staying quiet. These events occurred when the Victims were under fourteen years of age and began to occur when one of the Victims was as young as two years old. These events occurred during the years of 2017-2024. 

Elizondo awaits sentencing on February 14, 2025, where he is facing 78-120 years in prison.  

The Mohave County Attorney’s Office commends the Lake Havasu City Police Department in their investigation into Elizondo and the ability of the justice system to work together in removing a child predator from our community.

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On December 17, 2024, a Mohave County Jury found Carlos Joantuan Gonzalez-Fraire guilty of Transportation of Narcotic Drugs For Sale. At trial, the State presented body camera footage, photos, and testimony from the arresting Trooper, drug analyst, and drug trafficking expert all of whom together presented the following: 

On December 21, 2023, Trooper Callister of the Arizona Department of Public Safety conducted a traffic stop of a Gold SUV after observing a window tint violation on 1-15 near Littlefield Arizona. According to the driver of the SUV, Mr. Gonzalez-Fraire, he and his passenger were in Los Angeles California doing a construction job for his company and that they both were headed back home to Colorado for Christmas. During the stop, the vehicle was searched which revealed a box behind the driver’s seat housing 10 plastic wrapped bundles - one of which later tested positive for cocaine. The total weight of these bundles later weighed approximately 17.5 lbs. 

After the stop, Mr. Gonzalez-Fraire was interviewed by Trooper Callister and Detective Gigous (AZDPS) regarding the bundles found. During these interviews, Mr. Gonzalez-Fraire admitted to law enforcement that he and his passenger arrived at a Hotel in California at 2:00 AM that morning and that individuals dropped off the box with them at 6:00 AM. He also admitted that they were transporting the box to Colorado in expectation of $2,500 each after delivery. Finally, he told law enforcement that he “assumed” the box contained cocaine and that if contents of the box didn’t contain marijuana it was “coke for sure.” According to Detective Gigous the value of the cocaine found was estimated to be approximately $91,000 - $114,000. 

After the case was presented to the Mohave County Jury, a verdict was returned within 10 minutes. In addition, the Jury found the following aggravating circumstances: the presence of a deadly weapon during the commission of the offense, the presence of an accomplice, and that the offense was committed for pecuniary gain. 

“Carlos Lopez is the prosecutor in this case, and he did an outstanding job at the jury trial- which is very typical of the hard work Carlos does for our office,” commented the MCAO Chief Deputy. Carlos worked as a legal intern in our office prior to becoming a licensed attorney and is a great example to other interns working to become licensed attorneys/prosecutors. 

confiscated gun and bagged money

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On December 18, 2024, a Mohave County Superior Court jury of eight (8) jurors convicted Mario William Fragassi of Misconduct Involving Weapons. Officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety located a rifle and handgun on his bed during the execution of a search warrant back in November of 2023. The trial lasted only two (2) days but included the testimony of gun and latent print experts.

The Mohave County Attorney’s Office’s Chief Deputy is passionate about protecting gun rights and the Second Amendment and noted that this was a case in which Mario Fragassi should not have possessed guns because he was a prohibited possessor under Arizona law. The prosecutor commends the great work of Detective J. Torrey of AZDPS and appreciates the assistance of the AZDPS laboratory and experts who largely go unnoticed by the public but whose work is critical in the pursuit of public safety.

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On December 12, 2024, a Mohave County jury found Quan Stephens Arline guilty of Attempted Second Degree Murder for cutting the Victim’s throat at the Pilot fuel station in Lake Havasu City. 

At trial the Victim testified that Arline confronted him at the Pilot fuel station for fueling up too slowly. A verbal altercation ensued inside the fuel station, which promoted an employee of Pilot to separate the men. The Victim testified that he walked outside but was followed closely behind by Arline. A second altercation took place outside the fuel station and ended in Arline abruptly and violently slashing the Victim’s neck with a pocketknife. Arline then fled the scene. In a subsequent interview with law enforcement, Arline admitted to cutting the Victim but stated he was acting in self-defense.  

Throughout trial Arline claimed self-defense but also admitted during his trial testimony that he pulled the knife out as he was walking behind the Victim. This State argued this fact demonstrated his intent to kill the Victim over a fuel station feud.  

Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Keith Lewis was instrumental in the investigation of this crime and helped obtained Pilot’s surveillance footage (which captured the entire incident on camera) and also obtained a confession from Arline. The Chief Deputy of the Mohave County Attorney’s Office stated, “the prosecutor in this case, Amanda Claerhout, did a great job and works tremendously hard, especially considering she just completed another complex trial earlier this month.” 

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On December 6, 2024, a Mohave County jury found Bradley James Manseau guilty of three counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor under 15 years of age and one count of Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor under 15 years of age. The jury further found that the Victim had suffered emotional harm from the abuse Manseau inflicted. These events occurred between 2015-2021.

This case stemmed from a disclosure made by the Victim to her teacher and counselor that Manseau had sexually abused her. The investigation shed light on many disturbing details of the crimes suffered by the Victim when she was very young. The investigation also found horrific web searches for specific types of pornography, which Manseau’s own brother referred to as “ungodly.” The State also introduced evidence of some of Manseau’s jail phone calls where he is heard enlisting the help of family members to try to help manipulate and pressure the Victim into recanting.  

Liz Meins, Domestic Violence Advocate with the Mohave County Victim Witness Department, called this trial “one of the most prolific trials I have ever been involved with.” This case was tried by Amanda Claerhout, a Deputy County Attorney who serves as the lead attorney for the child sex crimes unit and is a part of the felony trial team within the Mohave County Attorney’s Office. This case marked Ms. Claerhout’s 59th trial with Mohave County. Claerhout praised the efforts of legal intern, Sarah Esgro, whose herculean efforts, in reviewing hundreds of jail calls, yielded multiple items of useful evidence which had a significant impact on the trial outcome. Claerhout also commends Detective J. Lucero of the Kingman Police Department, for his great work on the case.   

Manseau awaits sentencing on January 6, 2024, where he is facing three consecutive life sentences plus an additional 5-15 years. The Victim expressed relief that justice was served and that her voice was heard.  

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On December 4, 2024, a Mohave County Superior Court jury of eight (8) citizens from across Mohave County found Joshua Paul Bowling (age 43) guilty of several crimes stemming from Bowling driving his vehicle into the home of a female Bullhead City resident. On July 18, 2023, the victim lived in a 5th wheel trailer at a trailer park in Bullhead City. Bowling lodged his SUV under her trailer, got out of his vehicle for a few minutes, got back into his SUV and fled further into the trailer park community before finally crashing into a palm tree just feet from the Colorado River (A picture of the vehicle and palm tree, which was admitted at trial, is included below).  

As a result of the crash, the victim and her boyfriend were both thrown inside the trailer home. Thankfully, neither victim suffered any injuries. The victim testified that when she felt the impact, she thought there was “an earthquake.” A scientist with the Arizona Department of Public Safety Laboratory testified that Bowling’s blood alcohol level was .166 within two hours of the incident.  

Bowling failed to appear for the last day of trial and after being convicted by the jury, the Superior Court judge issued a warrant for his arrest. Once arrested, Bowling faces prison for the felony criminal damage charge (damage over $10,000.00) in addition to other penalties. The prosecutor credits the Bullhead City Police Department for their quick response and solid investigation. The case officer was BHCPD Officer J. Allen who assisted the Mohave County Attorney’s Office during the three (3) day trial.

car crashed into tree

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On July 24, 2024, Mohave County Superior Court Judge Douglas Camacho sentenced 47- year-old Keathen  Giamboi, to a total of 21 years in prison for Attempted Second Degree Murder and Possession of Dangerous Drugs (Methamphetamine). Judge Camacho also sentenced Giamboi to concurrent sentences of 7 years prison for Aggravated Assault (Resulting in Serious Physical Injury) and 12years prison for Aggravated Assault (with a Dangerous Instrument).  

The sentence follows a week-long jury trial which took place from June 24, 2024 through late June 28, 2024. During the jury trial, the State proved that Giamboi, travelling west on I-40, had pulled into the Petro Travel Center around the same time as the victim, a truck driver travelling east. After a disagreement, Giamboi positioned his vehicle, a Honda Accord, in the direction of the victim who was standing in the dirt lot. Giamboi then accelerated towards the victim ultimately hitting him with the vehicle. Surveillance footage at the Petro Travel Center showed the victim roll over the Honda and land on the ground. Giamboi’s vehicle was then seen turning the vehicle around and running the vehicle over the victim’s body again before fleeing down the road.

Mohave Deputy county Attorney Leah Nelson commends the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, whose officers arrived on scene within 5 minutes of the 911 call, and promptly began an investigation, ultimately apprehending Giamboi up the road without incident. Nelson also praises the employees at the Petro Travel Center for their assistance and cooperation with the initial investigation and at the subsequent jury trial two years later. “Justice is a team effort, and is best achieved when the State, law enforcement, victims, and citizens of the community work together.”  

“Leah has become one of the leading trial lawyers in the office, having conducted over 25 jury trials in her four years at the Mohave County Attorney’s Office,” commented County Attorney Matt Smith.

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On May 23, 2024, Lake Havasu City man was sentenced to 15 years prison following a jury trial conviction of Manslaughter. Angel Caldera was charged and tried on a charge of Second Degree Murder after he had an argument with his roommate and shot the victim approximately 12 times. The jury rejected Caldera’s self-defense claim and found him guilty on a lesser offense of Manslaughter on April 26, 2024.  

Judge Billy K. Sipe Jr. said, “You are a statistic. You used a firearm unlawfully. I’m a believer in the 2nd Amendment and I support the 2nd Amendment, but people keep using it unlawfully, and they are going to prison for it.” He found that Caldera was in a different category than other offenders due to his firearm and concealed carry training.  

The conviction followed a May 2023 incident where the victim was in the process of moving out of the residence owned by Caldera. According to Caldera, the victim was taking too long to exit the residence and Caldera entered the victim’s bedroom. An argument and scuffle ensued, wherein Caldera, an NRA certified concealed carry licensee and employee at a local gun shop, drew a firearm and fired approximately 12 shots, at least 4 in the back, ultimately killing the unarmed victim.  

The Mohave County Attorney’s Office praises the advocacy of Kristen Smith at the Office of Victim Services for her excellent advocacy on behalf of the victim’s family, as well as the Lake Havasu City Police Department for their great investigation of this incident.  

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On April 19, 2024, Christian Adolfo Villa-Hernandez was sentenced to
13 years prison following a jury trial conviction of Kidnapping. Mohave County Judge Lee Jantzen also imposed concurrent sentences of 10 years for a conviction of Aggravated Assault and 4 years for Disorderly Conduct Involving a Weapon.  

Villa-Hernandez was charged with Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Sexual Assault, and Disorderly Conduct Involving a Weapon following a September 2023 incident wherein Defendant arrived and began shooting through a residence in Bullhead City before ultimately finding the victim and transporting her to multiple subsequent locations. At the jury trial, the victim testified that she was assaulted in the car and at two subsequent homes, as well as sexually assaulted by multiple unidentified males. Villa-Hernandez then released her at a third location, threatening to assault her again if she didn’t pay him money owed. Deputy County Attorneys Leah Nelson and Phillip Delgado entered text messages into evidence which revealed Villa-Hernandez threatening the victim further after the September incidents. After a four-day trial, the jury convicted on Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, and Disorderly Conduct Involving a Weapon.  

The Mohave County Attorney’s Office commends the Bullhead City Police Department for their investigation in this case. County Attorney Matt Smith said, “This was an extremely complicated case, with multiple crime scenes and multiple offenses. Prosecutors Leah Nelson and Phillip Delgado showed great perseverance in bringing this dangerous defendant to justice.” 

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