Tombstone K9 program cleared of criminal violations | Cochise County

TOMBSTONE, Ariz. (KVOA) – An investigation into the Tombstone Marshal’s Office found no criminal wrongdoing in its K9 program funding or firearms disposition, according to a report from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

The investigation, which ran from February 2025 through March 2026, examined allegations referred by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office regarding administrative and potential criminal concerns at the marshal’s office. The probe focused on K9 program funding and the trade of firearms through West End Pawn & Gun.

“All identified monetary donations associated with the TMO K9 program—Walter Ferguson Foundation ($18,000) and Dog Days of Tombstone proceeds—were accounted for,” the report stated. “No criminal violations were found in canine procurement.”

The investigation resolved conflicting claims about a donation from the Walter Ferguson Foundation. Initial allegations suggested $25,000 was donated with $7,000 unaccounted for, but documents confirmed the actual donation was $18,000 through Helldorado Inc. to the City of Tombstone.

Investigators found the K9 program operated without formal procurement documentation and appears to violate City of Tombstone Purchasing Policy 118.1. The program purchased and trained dogs through Knight Watch K9 LLC, a business owned by Deputy Constance Baker, based on what was described as a “handshake agreement.”

The K9 program was designed to address narcotics trafficking, human smuggling and pursuits along Highway 80 near the border. Dogs were trained for drug detection of cocaine, heroin, meth and fentanyl, but not marijuana.

The program was suspended after a November 19, 2024, incident when K9 Hawk bit handler Deputy John Coby. Coby killed Hawk with his duty weapon, and the sheriff’s office later deemed the shooting within policy.

Regarding firearms, the investigation found Evidence Custodian Lecia Wilkins transported 23 firearms to West End Pawn & Gun. The pawn shop accepted 14 firearms, which were traded for a patrol rifle and ammunition valued at $2,370. Nine items were rejected and returned the same day, according to multiple accounts.

“The transaction appears to be an administrative matter,” the report stated. “Statewide practice allows private resale/auction of seized firearms.”

A vintage Colt 1849 revolver was handled on consignment and later sold for $850, with the proceeds going to the City of Tombstone.

The investigation also examined the background of Deputy John Coby, who had worked for Maryland State Transportation Police. Initial concerns arose about discrepancies in his pre-employment disclosures regarding prior internal investigations in Maryland.

Coby’s ex-wife confirmed during a March 18, 2026, interview that she received a letter from the Maryland State Transportation Authority stating misconduct allegations against Coby were unfounded. The letter also stated Coby was welcome to reapply with the agency.

“Facts show that John Coby was truthful in his TMO employment application,” the report stated.

The report recommends the City of Tombstone conduct a complete audit of the marshal’s office evidence room and implement standards set by the International Association of Property and Evidence. Other recommendations include enforcing purchasing policies, implementing standardized K9 program procedures and mandating full background investigations for new hires.

The investigation was conducted by Special Agent James Cope and supervised by Supervising Special Agent Daniel Miller.