Deputies: McCain fundraiser arrived as they searched home, found meth lab

A Phoenix couple face 12 counts of drug possession and child abuse after authorities tracked a package containing drugs to their home and found an active meth lab, according to court documents.

Christopher Hustrulid had lived with his girlfriend, Emily Pitha, a former member of the staff of retired U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz, and his children at the north-central Phoenix home for three years, according to Arizona Department of Motor Vehicle records.

Pitha had recently been active in GOP fundraising and had been listed as the RSVP contact for U.S. Sen. John McCain's re-election fundraisers.

The arrests came after Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies received notice that a package containing drugs intended for delivery at a Phoenix home had been seized by customs and border patrol agents.

Detectives conducted a controlled delivery of the package, which was addressed to a Gloria Mears in the 1900 block of East Bethany Home Road. The parcel contained more than 250 grams of MDMA — raw ecstasy, court documents said.

Hustrulid opened the door and signed for the package, court documents state.

After serving a search warrant, detectives found an active meth lab, a half-pound of methamphetamine, approximately 5 grams of marijuana, 3 grams of heroin and cocaine, 10 tabs of LSD and hash. Detectives also found signs of the manufacture of butane honey oil, a derivative of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and $7,000 in cash.

During the search, Pitha arrived at the home, detectives said.

Investigators also noted that the drugs were found in an area easily accessible to Hustrulid's children, ages 5 and 10.

Hustrulid, 36, was held on suspicion of seven counts related to the possession, sale and manufacture of dangerous drugs, possession of marijuana and child abuse. Pitha, 34, was held on five counts related to the possession or sale of dangerous drugs, possession of marijuana and child abuse.

Both were being held on a $20,000 bond in a Maricopa County jail.

They are scheduled to appear in Maricopa County Superior Court on May 4.