An Arizona man is facing numerous charges stemming from accusations that he traded methamphetamines and heroin for sexual favors with underage girls.
Authorities say Earnest Joseph Longhini III of Anthem was booked on 24 counts that included sexual conduct with a minor, administering a narcotic drug to another, child abuse and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Longhini was arrested Thursday after he tried to barricade himself in his home.
When deputies went to the door, Longhini barricaded himself in a room and neighbors said they could hear deputies calling for him to come out on the loudspeaker--which he eventually did by climbing out of a side window.
Maricopa County authorities had received information several weeks ago that a 16-year-old runaway was staying at a home with Longhini and that he was allegedly injecting her with drugs.
Detectives began surveillance of the home. They found evidence on the property of drug use, including hypodermic needles containing fluid that tested positive for heroin.
