Attorney now needs a lawyer himself

PHOENIX - The following is a press release from the Attorney General's Office:

Attorney General Terry Goddard announced that Jason John Keller, 34, of Tempe, was charged today with one count of conspiracy to commit promoting prison contraband, three counts of promoting prison contraband and three counts of assisting a criminal street gang. Keller is a defense attorney practicing in Arizona.

According to court documents, Keller, on at least three separate occasions this year, allegedly smuggled heroin, a cell phone and cell phone charger into the Maricopa County Fourth Avenue Jail. Keller allegedly provided the smuggled items to inmates, some of whom are members of a violent criminal street gang. At least one of the inmates is known to be Keller’s client.

Keller was charged by direct complaint in Maricopa County Superior Court earlier today. A preliminary hearing on the case will occur within 10 days.