District of Alaska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Sitka Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Robert Edgar Farquer, 69, of Sitka, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve eight years in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release, for possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, Farquer became the subject of a federal investigation when, in May 2016, FBI agents obtained 46 files containing images of child pornography from an IP address, and again in June 2016, when an additional 169 images were downloaded from another IP address. The investigation revealed that the IP addresses were associated with Farquer at his residence in Sitka.
On July 12, 2016, a search warrant was executed at Farquer’s residence, where agents discovered a collection of child pornography materials that spanned decades stored throughout his apartment and filled the back of a small pickup truck. During an interview, Farquer admitted to downloading child pornography files online, and that he had received child pornography materials as early as 1988 via the mail. The agents seized hundreds of pieces of electronic media and discovered thousands of images of child pornography in other various media.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack S. Schmidt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Hackers’ Cooperation with FBI Leads to Substantial Assistance in Other Complex Cybercrime InvestigationsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that three defendants have been sentenced for their roles in creating and operating two botnets, which targeted “Internet of Things” (IoT) devices. Paras Jha, 22, of Fanwood, New Jersey; Josiah White, 21, of Washington, Pennsylvania; and Dalton Norman, 22, of Metairie, Louisiana, were sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess. On Dec. 8, 2017, Jha, White, and Norman pleaded guilty to criminal Informations in the District of Alaska charging them each with conspiracy to violate the Computer Fraud & Abuse Act in operating the Mirai Botnet. Jha and Norman also pleaded guilty to two counts each of the same charge, one in relation to the Mirai botnet and the other in relation to the Clickfraud botnet.
After cooperating extensively with the FBI, Jha, White, and Norman were each sentenced to serve a five-year period of probation, 2,500 hours of community service, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $127,000, and have voluntarily abandoned significant amounts of cryptocurrency seized during the course of the investigation. As part of their sentences, Jha, White, and Norman must continue to cooperate with the FBI on cybercrime and cybersecurity matters, as well as continued cooperation with and assistance to law enforcement and the broader research community. According to court documents, the defendants have provided assistance that substantially contributed to active complex cybercrime investigations as well as the broader defensive effort by law enforcement and the cybersecurity research community.
Jha, White, and Norman became subjects of a federal investigation when, in the summer and fall of 2016, they created a powerful botnet – a collection of computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the knowledge or permission of the computers’ owners. The Mirai Botnet targeted IoT devices – non-traditional computing devices that were connected to the Internet, including wireless cameras, routers, and digital video recorders. The defendants attempted to discover both known and previously undisclosed vulnerabilities that allowed them to surreptitiously attain control over the victim devices for the purpose of forcing the devices to participate in the Mirai Botnet. At its peak, Mirai consisted of hundreds of thousands of compromised devices. The defendants used the botnet to conduct a number of powerful distributed denial-of-service, or “DDoS” attacks, which occur when multiple computers, acting in unison, flood the Internet connection of a targeted computer or computers. The defendants’ involvement with the original Mirai variant ended in the fall of 2016, when Jha posted the source code for Mirai on a criminal forum. Since then, other criminal actors have used Mirai variants in a variety of other attacks.
Additionally, from December 2016 to February 2017, the defendants successfully infected over 100,000 primarily U.S.-based computing devices, such as home Internet routers, with malicious software. That malware caused the hijacked home Internet routers and other devices to form a powerful botnet. The victim devices were used primarily in advertising fraud, including “clickfraud,” a type of Internet-based scheme that makes it appear that a real user has “clicked” on an advertisement for the purpose of artificially generating revenue.
“Cybercrime is a worldwide epidemic that reaches many Alaskans,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder. “The perpetrators count on being technologically one step ahead of law enforcement officials. The plea agreement with the young offenders in this case was a unique opportunity for law enforcement officers, and will give FBI investigators the knowledge and tools they need to stay ahead of cyber criminals around the world.”
“The sentences announced today would not have been possible without the cooperation of our partners in international law enforcement and the private sector,” said Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s Anchorage Field Office, Jeffery Peterson. “The FBI is committed to strengthening those relationships and finding innovative ways to counter cybercrime. Cyber criminals often develop their technical skills at a young age. This case demonstrates our commitment to hold criminals accountable while encouraging offenders to choose a different path to apply their skills.”
These cases were investigated by the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office. The Mirai Botnet and Clickfraud Botnet cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander of the District of Alaska and Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. Additional assistance was provided by the FBI’s Newark, New Orleans and Pittsburgh Field Offices, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Atlanta – Greenville South Carolina Office, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern District of Louisiana and New Jersey, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, the French General Directorate for Internal Security, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance, Palo Alto Networks Unit 42, Google, Cloudflare, Coinbase, Flashpoint, Oath, 360.cn and Akamai. Former Department of Justice prosecutors Ethan Arenson, Harold Chun, and Yvonne Lamoureux provided invaluable support during their tenure at DOJ.
Former Eagle River Resident Sentenced for Embezzling Approximately $150,000 from Mustang Hockey AssociationRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that a former Eagle River resident has been sentenced in federal court for embezzling approximately $150,000 from the Mustang Hockey Association.
Jennifer Suchan, aka “Jennifer Kerr,” 34, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve 14 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Suchan previously pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud, and as part of her plea, she agreed to pay a total of $170,353 in restitution.
According to court documents, from 2014 to 2017, Suchan was the treasurer of the Mustang Hockey Association, a volunteer, non-profit youth hockey organization operating in the Eagle River area. In 2015, Suchan began forging the signature of another board member to write herself checks on the Association’s bank account. Suchan falsely noted the checks were for office supplies, reimbursements, tax payments, and professional services, among other things. She actually used the money she obtained by forging the checks to pay for purchases such as a $1,500 chicken coop, trips for her family to Disneyland and Alyeska, payments on her BMW, and mortgage payments on her house, among other things.
Suchan repeatedly forged checks to herself over the course of two and half years, until she was caught. During that time, Suchan forged over 140 checks to herself totaling approximately $150,000. In addition to the $150,000 in forged checks, Suchan failed to document the purpose of an additional $7,353 in checks deposited to her own account, in her own name, that were not forged, and $14,000 in cash she withdrew from the Association’s bank account. She will repay the full amount in restitution.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aunnie Steward and Anne Veldhuis.
Kotzebue Man Charged in Connection with the Investigation into Ashley Johnson-Barr’s DeathRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Peter Wilson, 41, of Kotzebue, Alaska, has been charged with making false statements to a federal agent, in connection with the investigation into the disappearance and death of 10-year-old Ashley Johnson-Barr. Wilson was arrested on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 18, 2018, at 1:30 p.m.
According to the complaint affidavit, during the course of the investigation, “JJ” was interviewed and advised law enforcement that, on the night of Sept. 6, 2018, she found Johnson-Barr’s cell phone in the pocket of a jacket belonging to Wilson, who occasionally stays with JJ. She found the cell phone after hearing it repeatedly ring from Wilson’s jacket. When she picked the phone up, she saw Johnson-Barr’s name displayed on the screen. JJ called Johnson-Barr’s mother, who advised that Johnson-Barr was missing. Johnson-Barr’s father retrieved the phone from JJ’s residence and turned it over to the Kotzebue Police Department. When asked by Johnson-Barr’s father and JJ where he found the phone, Wilson stated he found it near the NANA building, which is at the intersection of 2nd and 3rd Avenue in Kotzebue.
JJ also advised law enforcement that on Sept. 6, 2018, she and Wilson were present at JJ’s mother’s (“SM”) house throughout the day. This location is approximately one mile from Rainbow Park, which is where Johnson-Barr was last seen. JJ and SM both advised law enforcement that at approximately 5:20 pm on that same day, SM asked Wilson to pick up JJ’s child and one other child (not Johnson-Barr). Wilson left the house on a 4-wheeler at approximately 5:20 pm. JJ advised that Wilson was gone until approximately 7:20 pm, and did not have any children with him when he returned. Johnson-Barr’s parents were interviewed by law enforcement, who reported that Johnson-Barr and Wilson knew each other and that he had been to their house on numerous occasions.
The complaint alleges that, when Wilson was interviewed by the FBI, Wilson denied using a 4-wheeler at any time on Sept. 6, 2018, denied that he knew Johnson-Barr, and denied seeing Johnson-Barr’s name on her cell phone while he had it in his possession. Also during the interview, Wilson repeatedly stated that he had found Johnson-Barr’s cell phone near the NANA building; however, investigators determined that the cell phone had travelled to areas well south and east of the location where she was last seen and where Wilson said he found the phone. On Sept. 14, 2018, investigators initiated a search of the area where Johnson-Barr’s cell phone had travelled. At approximately 4:15 pm, Johnson-Barr’s body was discovered one quarter mile off the road on the tundra.
The Alaska State Troopers (AST), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Kotzebue Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Criminal Chief Frank Russo. Russo stated, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office has been working with the FBI, the State Troopers, the Kotzebue Police Department, and the Department of Law on the investigation of Ashley Johnson-Barr’s death. We will continue to work with our state and federal partners on the investigation and to assess where to file further charges, as well as what charges to be filed.”
A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anchorage Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Firearm Following Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Demitri Kardeem Scott, 25, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve 78 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, in the late evening of Aug. 30, 2017, Scott attempted to break into a vehicle, which drew the attention of a concerned citizen. The concerned citizen (victim) verbally confronted Scott in Town Square Park and then turned to walk home. Scott responded by firing seven shots at the victim from a .45 caliber handgun, before fleeing the scene. The victim avoided being shot by ducking behind a nearby car. When APD arrived at the scene, they found seven shell casings and droplets of Scott’s blood caused from his attempt to break into the vehicle.
Later that same night, APD officers were dispatched to the Carrs on Gambell regarding a physical disturbance with a shoplifter, who was later identified as Scott. APD arrived and found store security officers holding Scott on the ground in the parking lot. It was reported to APD that, when the security officer tried to prevent Scott from fleeing, Scott attempted to pull out a switchblade knife during the struggle. A second security officer exited the store and helped hold Scott on the ground until police arrived. APD officers found an unloaded .45 caliber handgun in Scott’s waistband following his arrest.
The recovered shell casings were ran through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which determined that the shell casings recovered at Town Square Park were fired from the firearm found in Scott’s waistband. Scott has a previous felony conviction with the State of Alaska for Burglary, and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The Anchorage Police Department (APD) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Stinson.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
California Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Role in Drug Conspiracy and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that on Aug. 23, 2018, Enrique Ayon Duenas, 61, of California, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to serve 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that brought controlled substances, including heroin and methamphetamine, from California into Alaska. Duenas pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges on Oct. 5, 2017.
According to court documents, between August 2015 to July 2016, Duenas entered into an agreement with co-conspirators to obtain controlled substances, including 1000 grams or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, from sources in California, which were then to be distributed in Alaska. Additionally, Duenas and others laundered the proceeds from the illegal sale of narcotics through financial institutions located in Alaska and California, with the purpose of concealing the true nature of the money. For example, the money was laundered by transferring it between Alaska and California by various means, including bank deposits made in Alaska into bank accounts in other people’s names, and thereafter by withdrawals in California.
Two additional co-conspirators were indicted for criminal conduct related to this drug conspiracy. The following defendants have pleaded guilty to criminal charges and have been sentenced to the following prison terms:
- Juan Carlos Hernandez, sentenced to 44 months in prison on April 14, 2018, for drug conspiracy;
- Oscar Josue Maldonado, sentenced to two years in prison on Feb. 27, 2018, for drug conspiracy.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephan A. Collins.
Big Lake Man Convicted of Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that on Aug. 23, 2018, U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason found Stephen Christopher Howe, 44, of Big Lake, guilty of attempted production and receipt of child pornography, attempted enticement of a minor, and attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor. Howe had previously pled guilty to possession of child pornography.
Howe was found guilty after a four-day bench trial before Judge Gleason. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 7, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. in Anchorage. As a result of his convictions, Howe faces a sentencing range of not less than 15 years in prison up to life. Each conviction carries a maximum fine of up to $250,000, terms of supervised release of five years to life, and a $100 special assessment.
According to evidence presented at trial, Howe responded to an undercover online advertisement posted by a law enforcement officer posing as a minor. Over the next 48 hours, the undercover officer and Howe exchanged 475 text messages. In these messages, the undercover and Howe discussed meeting to engage in sexual acts together. Howe told the undercover that he was an “ebhebophile,” that is “[someone] who like[s] post-pubescent adolescents),” and a pedophile, that is, an “adult who is attracted to children.” Howe also sent two images of his penis to the undercover, and repeatedly asked the undercover to take a photograph of his penis and send it to him.
This case was investigated by the Anchorage Police Department, Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU), with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Anchorage Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of GunRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Tony Lavea Tueipi, 42, resident of Anchorage, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason to 21 months in prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, for illegally possessing a gun with an obliterated serial number. As a result of his conviction, Tueipi, who is a native of Western Samoa, will be subject to deportation.
According to the plea agreement filed in this case, on Nov. 10, 2016, Anchorage Police Department (APD) received a call that gunshots had been fired in a trailer park on Chugach Way. One of the shots went through the wall of a neighboring trailer. When APD arrived at the scene, they found the Tueipi outside of his trailer. On the ground near the Tueipi were six spent shell casings. Anchorage Police approached Tueipi and noticed the butt end of a handgun in his front jacket pocket. Inside the gun was a fully loaded magazine.
This was not the first time Tueipi had illegally possessed a gun. Prior to Nov.10, 2016, Tueipi knowingly possessed a gun with an obliterated serial number. Possession of a gun with a serial number that has been removed, obliterated, or altered is illegal under federal law.
At sentencing, Judge Gleason noted that the sentence was based on numerous factors, including the threat posed by the defendant’s conduct, and the deterrent value of a 21-month sentence. Judge Gleason stated that the defendant used his gun in a “manner that presented an extreme risk…to the person that resided in the neighboring home.” According to Judge Gleason, the 21-month sentence would allow the defendant to “convey to others [he might be in jail with]” the serious penalties associated with the illegal possession of firearms, and the extreme danger that can result from the reckless use of such firearms.
The case was the product of an investigation by the Anchorage Police Department (APD), working together with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon prosecuted the case.
Anchorage Man Convicted of Attempted Sex Trafficking and Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that, yesterday, a federal jury in Anchorage convicted Danny Ray Lowe, 49, of two counts of attempted sexual trafficking of a minor, and two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor.
The jury found Lowe guilty on all four counts after a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline. Lowe faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, and a life term of supervised release. The sentencing hearing has been set for Oct. 3, 2018.
According to evidence presented at trial, Lowe used text messages to negotiate the time, place, and price to have sex with two girls, aged 13 and 14. On Sept. 12, 2017, Lowe arrived at Anchorage motel, ready and willing to pay $150 for two hours of illegal sex with the two minors. When Lowe knocked on the motel room door, however, local and federal law enforcement officers arrested him.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the joint investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas M. Walker.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Anchorage Man Sentenced for Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Cody James Cogley, 28, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline to nine years in prison, followed by a 30-year term of supervised release, for two counts of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, in October 2017, law enforcement received information that Cogley was distributing videos of child pornography through the internet. Among the files distributed by Cogley through the file-sharing network was a video of a child performing a sexual act on an animal, a video of a naked three to five-year-old child suspended by her feet being sexually assaulted, and a video of a toddler being physically and sexually assaulted.
Law enforcement officers searched Cogley’s residence on Nov. 2, 2017. Located on Cogley’s phone and computer were images and videos of child pornography, including additional images showing the sadistic abuse of small children. Also located on Cogley’s computer, and open at the time of the search, was the Tor Browser. The Tor Browser is used to access files on the Tor network, an encrypted, anonymous method of browsing the internet. Open within the browser was a file titled, “The Pedophile’s Handbook.” This file contained chapters about how to abduct and molest children. Chapter titles included “Introduction, Pedophilia,” “Children,” “security,” “Finding Children,” “sex with Kids,” and “Penetration Training.”
During a statement to law enforcement at the time of the search, Cogley admitted to downloading images of child pornography. Cogley admitted to first downloading child pornography when he was 13 years old. Cogley said that his last search for child pornography was for files showing the abuse of toddlers, and admitted that his preferred age of children was “around 7, 7 and up.”
At sentencing, Judge Beistline noted Cogley’s “long history of viewing serious images.” This history, according to Judge Beistline, “feeds the market for child pornography.” In addition to noting the harm that came from Cogley’s downloading and viewing of images, Judge Beistline also stated that his sentence was necessary to protect the public and to deter Cogley and others like him. Judge Beistline said that there was no direct evidence that Cogley had engaged in hands-on behavior, however, the handbook located on his computer was “evidence of a possible trend in that direction.” “Clearly you are what we call a pedophile,” Judge Beistline told the defendant. “You have a strong attraction to children, which places them at risk.”
The case was the product of an investigation by the Anchorage Police Department (APD). Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Anchorage Man Sentenced for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Ronald Teekell, 53, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve 97 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release, for the distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents, Teekell was first brought to law enforcement’s attention in 2009 when law enforcement received a report that child pornography was being distributed from the open wireless at Jewel Lake Bowl. Teekell became the subject of a federal investigation when law enforcement received child pornography from Teekell’s computer in 2014, and again in 2016. The investigation revealed that Teekell had previously used computers located at both Jewel Lake Bowl and the adjacent Storite Storage companies to receive, access, and distribute images of child sexual exploitation as early as 2009.
Specifically, in November 2014, an FBI Special Agent working in an undercover capacity received hundreds of images and videos depicting child sexual exploitation from an IP address assigned to Jewel Lake Bowl. Additionally, in May 2016, an APD Detective observed a suspect device distributing hundreds of images and videos of child sexual exploitation by means of an online file-sharing network. The IP address in this instance was assigned to Teekell’s home address, rather than the business accounts at either Jewel Lake Bowl or Storite Storage. Both companies are partially owned and operated by Teekell.
In August 2016, APD and FBI executed search warrants at Teekell’s residence, workplace, and storage unit. A subsequent analysis of Teekell’s devices revealed corroborating evidence of his distribution of images of child sexual exploitation between 2009 and 2016.
Pursuant to a plea agreement in this case, Teekell admitted to knowingly receiving, possessing, and distributing more than 500 images and videos depicting child sexual exploitation during the relevant periods. He also agreed to forfeit his ownership in Jewel Lake Bowl and associated entities.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Burgess noted that offenses related to child pornography are extremely serious and that the abuse depicted “haunts the victims” for their entire lives. Judge Burgess stated that there was “no doubt” in his mind that Mr. Teekell’s predilection for child pornography had been a long running addiction.
The Anchorage Police Department (APD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Anchorage Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Federal Kidnapping, Carjacking, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that an Anchorage man has been sentenced in federal court after being convicted of multiple charges related to the October 2016 kidnapping, carjacking, and shooting of two individuals.
Matthew James Scharber, 36, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve a term of life in prison, plus an additional 10 years on the firearms offense. In December 2017, Scharber pleaded guilty on all five counts of the indictment, which included conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping, carjacking, and possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court documents, on Oct. 27, 2016, Scharber lured brothers K.A.K. and K.T.K. to his Anchorage apartment. Once the brothers were inside the apartment, co-defendants Corey Sylva and Michael Elder came out from a back room of the apartment and held them at gunpoint. The brothers were then bound with speaker wire and handcuffs before being assaulted by the three men with fists, feet, and a large wooden pole.
In addition, the brothers were robbed of personal property off their person and from their vehicle, a 2005 Subaru Legacy. The rear cargo windows of the victim’s vehicle were spray painted black by Scharber. K.T.K. was unconscious from the assault, and K.A.K. was feigning unconsciousness as they were loaded into their own vehicle, blindfolded, by Sylva and Elder. Scharber then drove the brothers to Hatcher’s Pass where he made them exit the vehicle, before shooting them multiple times while they had their hands bound.
The brothers were left for several hours before a passerby located them. They were transported by a LifeMed helicopter to the hospital and treated for multiple gunshot wounds. K.T.K. had been shot in the upper arm, thigh, and stomach, while K.A.K. had been shot in the chest and elbow. They both had injuries from the beating as well as suffering from the exposure to the cold weather.
The investigation revealed that the beating was in retaliation for K.A.K. and K.T.K. stealing Sylva’s wallet approximately one week earlier. During a search of Scharber’s apartment, law enforcement officers found the two firearms and the wooden rod that were used during the assault and kidnapping.
Sylva was sentenced in May 2018 to serve 121 months in prison, after previously pleading guilty to the carjacking offense. Elder also pleaded guilty to the carjacking offense, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 12, 2018.
Scharber has also been indicted in a separate federal case where he faces additional charges for alleged drug trafficking crimes dating back to August 2016, the months leading up to the kidnapping, carjacking, and shooting of the two individuals. Trial in this case has been set for Oct. 22, 2018.
The Alaska State Troopers (AST), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Anchorage District Attorney’s Office, leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William A. Taylor.
Anchorage Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Drug & Money Laundering CrimesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Murville Lavelle Lampkin, 45, of Anchorage, was sentenced on July 10, 2018, to serve 20 years in prison, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of heroin, and money laundering.
A jury found Lampkin guilty after an 8-day trial on Nov. 1, 2016 before U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason. According to evidence presented at trial, Lampkin was a member of a conspiracy led by Toa Danh “Tony” Ly. In the spring of 2014, Ly and others began to distribute marijuana and methamphetamine in Anchorage, the Valley, and Kenai Peninsula. Ly later included heroin among the items he distributed. Proceeds from these drug sales were deposited in Wells Fargo bank accounts. Other individuals who sold drugs and made deposits of drug money for Ly included Pao Lee, Rennie Davis, Robert Rast, Tracey Trujillo, Mark Hanes and Susan Bradshaw. In total, Lampkin deposited $57,000 worth of drug proceeds into Wells Fargo bank accounts controlled by Ly.
On Jan. 14, 2015, law enforcement executed search warrants at multiple locations connected to the conspiracy. In a locked safe at the foot of Lampkin’s bed, law enforcement located approximately 400 grams of methamphetamine packaged into 15 individual Ziploc baggies. Also in the safe were smaller baggies into which doses of drugs could be packaged, and a digital scale used to measure drug quantities.
This was Lampkin’s third drug conviction. In 2002, Lampkin pled guilty in federal court to distribution and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. While in custody, Lampkin was convicted in Alaska state court of promoting contraband in the first degree for possessing oxycodone and tetrahydrocannabinol.
Lampkin was the former bouncer at Rumrunners Old Towne Bar & Grill. In 2012, he was convicted in state court of fourth degree assault following a fight with a patron. Lampkin was sentenced in that case to two months in jail and two years of probation.
The status of other defendants indicted as part of this case is as follows:
- Toa Danh “Tony” Ly was sentenced in December 2016 to serve five years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and money laundering conspiracy;
- Renee Marie Davis was sentenced in January 2016 to serve six years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Adam Michael Cornelison was sentenced in February 2016 to serve five years in prison for use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense;
- Robert Lee Rast was sentenced in January 2017 to serve 40 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Kasey Martinez was sentenced in July 2016 to serve 40 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for money laundering conspiracy;
- Pao Lee was sentenced in January 2017 to serve 35 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and distribution of controlled substances;
- Tracey Trujillo was sentenced in January 2017 to serve 13 months and 15 days in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for money laundering conspiracy;
- Mark Norman Hanes and Susan Jan Bradshaw are scheduled for trial on Sept. 24, 2018.
The case was the product of an investigation by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, an FBI-led task force comprised of FBI Special Agents, Anchorage Police Department officers, Alaska State Troopers, and the United States Marshals. Assistance was also provided by IRS Criminal Investigation; APD’s Special Assignment Unit (SAU); and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon.
Two Juneau Men Sentenced for Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that on Friday, July 6, 2018, two Juneau men were sentenced in federal court, in separate cases, for federal firearms offenses.
James V. Drury, 50, of Juneau, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for theft of firearms and for illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon. Drury has previous felony convictions with the State of Alaska for burglary and attempted burglary.
According to court documents, Drury burglarized a residence in Ketchikan on May 3, 2016, where he stole two of the homeowner’s firearms – a Model 59/66, 7.62x39 caliber rifle and a Savage Arms, Model 188H, .22 caliber rifle. During the burglary, the homeowner had entered the residence and encountered Drury in possession of the two firearms. During that confrontation, Drury raised one of the rifles, pointed it at the homeowner, and directed him not to move. The homeowner fled the residence to contact police. Drury attempted to conceal the firearms in the backyard of another residence, which were found by the residence owner 11 days later.
Christopher W. Davison, 34, of Juneau, was sentenced to serve 90 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon. Davison has previous felony convictions with the State of Alaska for vehicle theft, criminal mischief, and riot.
According to court documents, on April 20, 2017, law enforcement officers received a report of a man “tweaking hard” and stating to an individual that he “was going to kill everybody” and to remember his name “Chris Davison.” It was reported that Davison was in possession of a firearm described as a sawed-off shotgun. After that incident, a police officer spoke with another witness who stated that he was awoken in the morning and confronted by Davison with what he described as a “MAC-10,” asking the witness to leave the room so he could use the room to have sex with a woman. The next day, Davison was observed at a woman’s residence, but ended up eluding police. Upon Davison’s subsequent arrest, a search of the residence revealed ammunition and a stolen firearm that was a 10/22 Ruger, which is classified as pistol.
The Juneau Police Department (JPD), the Alaska State Troopers (AST), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigations leading to the successful prosecutions of these cases. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt.
Group Sentenced for Roles in Anchorage Mail Theft RingRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that six Anchorage residents have been sentenced for their roles in a local mail theft ring. The two lead defendants were sentenced this week, and were the last of six defendants to be sentenced in this case.
Sara James, 31, was sentenced yesterday to serve 42 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of stolen mail, and passing counterfeit money. David Gonzales, 37, was sentenced earlier this week to serve 72 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, from August 2016 to May 2017, Sara James and her husband, Jonathan James, conspired with Gonzales and others, to steal mail and pass stolen checks with stolen IDs at banks around Anchorage, and to recruit others to help them do the same. Sara and Jonathan James would take turns driving Gonzales to go “mailboxing,” stealing mail from rows of mailboxes and looking for valuable checks and credit cards. Most of the stolen checks were then altered to make the payee a separate stolen identity that was used by the defendants to negotiate the stolen checks. The investigation further revealed that Sara James and Gonzales would share in the proceeds from negotiating the stolen checks, and exchange drugs for stolen mail and IDs.
During the course of the conspiracy, both Sara James and Gonzales were on release pending state charges for the same conduct while continuing to commit new crimes. In August 2017, federal charges were brought to cover all conduct and include four other co-defendants. Over the last several months, the following co-conspirators have been sentenced as part of this investigation:
- Jonathan James, 34, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of stolen mail, and passing counterfeit money;
- Brandon Madrid, 29, was sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft;
- Braden Asbury, 21, was sentenced to one day in prison (credit for time already served), followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy and bank fraud; and
- Karri Embach, 35, was sentenced to time already served and five years of supervised release, for conspiracy and bank fraud.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case, with assistance from the Palmer Police Department and the Criminal Investigations Unit of the State of Alaska Department of Revenue. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward.
North Pole Man Convicted of Receiving and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fairbanks, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that on June 20, 2018, a federal jury in Fairbanks convicted Eric Whitebread, 42, of two counts of distribution of child pornography, and one count of receipt of child pornography.
The jury found Whitebread guilty after a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline of the District of Alaska. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 14, 2018, in Fairbanks. The maximum penalty for each of the counts of conviction is not less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of five years to life.
According to evidence presented at trial, on two different days in June 2015, Whitebread distributed files of child pornography through an online file-sharing network. Upon execution of a search warrant at Whitebread’s North Pole residence, law enforcement located his computer. Located on the computer were 618 images of child pornography that had been downloaded through the file-sharing network between July 14, 2015, and Aug. 24, 2015. Contextual evidence discovered by law enforcement during a forensic examination of Whitebread’s computer – including data recovered from millions of lines of computer code – located numerous indicators that child pornography was being downloaded and viewed on the computer at times when Whitebread’s text messages showed him to be home and online. In addition, the computer did not show any activity at times the evidence showed Whitebread was away from the house.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Veldhuis and Kyle Reardon.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Additional Charges Filed Against Defense Attorney and Client for Smuggling Drugs into Anchorage PrisonRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that a 25-count superseding indictment has been filed against a criminal defense attorney and her client for allegedly smuggling drugs into the State of Alaska Department of Corrections (DOC) Anchorage Correctional Complex (ACC) for distribution to inmates.
Kit Lee Karjala, 55, a criminal defense attorney in Anchorage, and her client, Christopher Brandon Miller, aka “Mellow,” 34, who is currently an inmate at ACC, have both been named in the superseding indictment. Karjala and Miller are both charged with drug conspiracy, conspiracy to provide contraband in prison, money laundering conspiracy, as well as additional drug and money laundering charges. The charges filed today supersede the original 2-count indictment filed in this case.
According to court documents, the drug conspiracy began in June 2016 and continued until May 2017. Karjala allegedly passed drugs to co-conspirator inmates, including Miller, during in-person attorney-client visits. Because Karjala was an attorney and represented to DOC that these meetings were professional visits, DOC permitted her to meet with Miller and the other co-conspirator inmate in rooms with no physical barriers separating Karjala from the inmate she was visiting. During these visits, Karjala would hand a package of drugs to the inmate and the inmate would then hide the drugs inside his body. After Karjala delivered the drugs, the inmate would then smuggle the drugs back to his jail cell, where the inmate would later distribute the drugs to other ACC inmates for profit.
The superseding indictment also alleges that Karjala and Miller conspired to conduct financial transactions involving drug proceeds, which were designed to promote the drug conspiracy and to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of those drug proceeds.
In addition, a separate indictment has been filed against Karjala for intentionally failing to appear for a bail review hearing that was scheduled for June 19, 2018, as was required by her conditions of release related to the initial charges. A warrant has been issued for Karjala’s arrest.
If the public has any information regarding Karjala’s whereabouts, please call the FBI at (907) 276-4441.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Alaska State Troopers (AST) conducted the investigation, with substantial assistance from DOC, leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea W. Hattan.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anchorage Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Russell Cherry, 51, of Anchorage, has been indicted on charges of distribution and possession of child pornography. Cherry was arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Hutton.
The indictment alleges that, between July 29 and July 31, 2017, Cherry knowingly distributed, by any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce, visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. It is further alleged that, on Aug. 29, 2017, Cherry knowingly possessed images and videos depicting child sexual exploitation found on his desktop PC.
If the public has any further information or concerns about the activities of Cherry, please contact the FBI at (907) 276-4441.
If convicted, Cherry faces a statutory minimum of five years in prison and guideline sentence of the statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In May 2006, DOJ launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
United States Files Intent to Seek Death Penalty against Palmer Man Charged with Federal Murder, Drug Trafficking, and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska today filed its notice of intent to seek the death penalty against John Pearl Smith II, 32, of Palmer, for the murders of Wasilla residents Ben Gross and Crystal Denardi on June 5, 2016.
The filing, a copy of which is attached, follows the decision and directive by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to seek the death penalty against Smith.
The notice of intent alleges that if Smith is convicted, his use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in murder, and the use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime resulting in murder, in addition to numerous aggravating factors, justifies a sentence of death.
The indictment alleges that in September 2015, May 11, 2016, and June 5, 2016, Smith attempted to rob people he believed were involved in trafficking drugs. On each occasion, the indictment alleges that he brandished firearms during the robbery. On the last occasion, it alleges he shot and killed Ben Gross and Crystal Denardi during the robbery, as well as shot a third individual, identified in the indictment as “R.B.”
The Alaska State Troopers (AST), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Criminal Chief Frank Russo and Assistant U.S. Attorney William Taylor.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Washington Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Methamphetamine in AlaskaRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Zerisenay Gebregiorgis, 36, a Washington resident, was sentenced today in Juneau by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve 121 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine. Gebregiorgis was previously convicted in December 2017, following a five-day jury trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, between June 1, 2016, and Aug. 16, 2016, Gebregiorgis and others planned to distribute large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine in the communities of Ketchikan and Sitka. Gebregiorgis supplied drugs to drug couriers, who carried the drugs inside their bodies to other co-conspirators in Ketchikan and Sitka for subsequent distribution. Drug proceeds were then given to the couriers to be carried back to Seattle to be delivered to Gebregiorgis or deposited into bank accounts controlled by Gebregiorgis.
According to court documents, Gebregiorgis supplied at least one ounce of methamphetamine and at least 20 ounces of heroin during the course of the conspiracy. Gebregiorgis directed every aspect of the conspiracy, to include directing the amounts of drugs sent to Alaska, the couriers who carried the drugs, the travel for those couriers, and delivery of drug proceeds back to him via couriers and bank accounts deposits.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the members of the Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs Taskforce (SEACAD), specifically the members from the Alaska State Troopers (AST), Ketchikan Police Department (KPD), and the Sitka Police Department (SPD) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt.
Alaskan Commercial Fishing Couple Plead Guilty to Willful Failure to Pay Taxes on Income Earned from FishingRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that an Alaskan couple pleaded guilty yesterday in Juneau for willfully failing to pay their individual income taxes.
Archie W. Demmert III, 57, and Roseann L. Demmert, 60, both of Klawock, Alaska, pleaded guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. burgess to two counts of willful failure to pay income tax. As part of the plea agreement, the Demmerts have agreed to jointly pay restitution to the IRS, which will be determined at sentencing.
According to court documents, Archie Demmert and Roseann Demmert both had commercial fishing permits for herring spawn on kelp, and Archie had an additional commercial fishing permit for a salmon purse seine. The Demmerts admitted in court that they earned income from commercial fishing but willfully did not pay their taxes for 13 separate tax years, for which they owed over $300,000, excluding penalties and interest.
The sentencing hearings have been scheduled for Oct. 4, 2018. The Demmerts each face a statutory maximum sentence of two years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) conducted the investigation which led to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Steward and Trial Attorney Lori Hendrickson of the Tax Division.
Four Anchorage Residents Charged with Attempting to Smuggle Drugs into Prison for DistributionRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that four Anchorage residents have been charged for attempting to smuggle drugs into the State of Alaska Department of Corrections (“DOC”) Anchorage Correctional Complex (“ACC”).
Steven Cao, 32, a federal inmate at the time of the offense, Brandon Beltz, 26, Jennifer Delossantos, 33, and Allyson Moore, 20, all of Anchorage, were named in the indictment charging each of them with drug conspiracy and attempt to obtain a prohibited object by a prison inmate. The indictment also charges Cao and Delossantos with use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and Beltz and Moore with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to the indictment, between Nov. 13, 2017, and continuing to Dec. 7, 2017, Cao, Beltz, Delossantos, and Moore allegedly attempted to obtain buprenorphine, also known as “subutext,” a narcotic drug, for Cao while he was in federal pre-trial custody at ACC. It is further alleged that they conspired to distribute these drugs to other inmates being held ACC.
Specifically, the plan was to recruit an individual who was subject to State of Alaska pre-trial supervision to whom the conspirators would deliver the drugs. The individual would then internally smuggle the drugs into the correctional institution by intentionally violating his conditions of release so that the state would remand him back into prison custody for 72 hours. During this short period of re-incarceration, the smuggler was to deliver the drugs to Cao, who would then distribute the drugs to other inmates. Cao and Delossantos allegedly gave a firearm to Beltz and Moore as payment in furtherance of executing the plan to smuggle drugs into ACC.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) and the Anchorage Police Department (“APD”) conducted the investigation, with assistance from DOC, which led to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephan Collins.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anchorage Man Sentenced for Federal Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that James Markus Harries, a/k/a “James Harris,” 33, of Anchorage, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, to serve 110 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Harries previously pleaded guilty on Feb. 26, 2018, to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on May 31, 2017, members of APD’s CAP (Community Action Policing) team were conducting a crime suppression detail, when officers observed multiple traffic violations from a red Chevy Tahoe. APD subsequently conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, later identified as James Harries. Harries initially would not identify himself, denied having any identification on his person, and claimed to not know his social security number.
The investigation revealed that, inside the driver’s door of the Tahoe, Harries possessed a plastic bag containing 88.9 grams of black tar heroin. A black backpack was also found in the vehicle, in which Harries possessed an additional 319.61 grams of heroin, a stolen .40 caliber Smith and Wesson M&P semi-automatic pistol, and a .45 caliber Taurus semi-automatic pistol. The investigation further revealed that Harries intended to distribute the heroin in the Anchorage area.
The Anchorage Police Department (APD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Stinson prosecuted this case.
U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Arrested and Charged for Defrauding Insurance ProvidersRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that an officer of the U.S. Army has been charged for allegedly defrauding insurance providers to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent insurance payments.
Christopher James DeMure, 40, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, has been named in a criminal complaint charging him with mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. DeMure was arrested this morning and is expected to make his initial appearance on the charges tomorrow afternoon.
The complaint alleges that, from September 2014 until February 2018, DeMure engaged in a scheme to defraud USAA Federal Savings Bank (USAA) and American Express (AMEX) to obtain insurance payments by submitting fraudulent claims and other fraudulent documents. DeMure spent much of the insurance payout money to pay off automobile loans, credit cards, mortgage loans, and other personal debts and expenses, including a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban and a 2016 Audi A7. In all, DeMure’s fraudulent insurance claims allegedly sought payments in the amount of approximately $475,000, and that DeMure has actually received approximately $394,000, from USAA and AMEX, combined.
More specifically, it is alleged that DeMure purchased items of value, such as jewelry, performance bicycles, clothing, and electronics that were later the subject of insurance claims that he filed with USAA and/or AMEX. On multiple occasions, DeMure cancelled an online order for or physically returned items for a full refund, and thereafter listed those same items on a fraudulent insurance claim with USAA and/or AMEX, wherein he falsely claimed that the item was lost, misplaced, and/or stolen. Beginning in October 2015, DeMure began to file parallel fraudulent insurance claims for certain items with both USAA and AMEX. In some cases, DeMure provided different explanations for the loss, misplacement, or theft of those items to USAA and AMEX.
DeMure’s scheme to defraud involved at least seven separate loss incidents. For example, in July 2016, DeMure moved from Fort Benning, Georgia, to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The U.S. Army paid for a company to pack and move DeMure’s residential household goods from Georgia to Alaska. Those household goods were packed by the moving company on July 13, 2016. On July 21, 2016, DeMure contacted USAA and claimed that a U-Haul trailer that he had rented had been burglarized in Louisville, Kentucky, where he stopped on the way to Indiana. DeMure claimed the loss amount was $215,317.68. The following day DeMure contacted the Louisville Metro Police Department to report the burglary. In his USAA claim, DeMure identified numerous items as having been stolen from the U-Haul in Louisville, ranging from jewelry to performance bicycles. The jewelry items included a Tiffany & Co. necklace that DeMure told USAA was a family heirloom, which had an appraised value of $35,000. In fact, business records show that DeMure purchased the necklace on June 1, 2016, had it appraised on June 15, 2016, returned it on July 6, 2016, and on July 11, 2016, had it insured by USAA. Altogether, DeMure received an overall payment benefit of $183,339.73 from the claims he filed with USAA and AMEX related to the purported July 20, 2016, U-Haul burglary.
The complaint further alleges that some of the supporting documents that DeMure submitted to USAA and AMEX were fraudulent. For example, in support of an insurance claim, DeMure allegedly submitted a fake Palmer Police Department report to AMEX to evidence the loss incident in question.
If convicted, DeMure faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or both, for the most serious charges alleged in the complaint. Under federal sentencing statutes, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case, with assistance from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (commonly known as CID). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea W. Hattan.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fairbanks Man Indicted on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Fairbanks, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that a Fairbanks man has been indicted on federal gun charges in connection with the October 2016 shooting of Fairbanks Police Officer Sergeant Allen Brandt.
Anthony Jenkins-Alexie, 30, of Fairbanks, was named in the indictment charging him with using a firearm during a crime of violence, stealing a firearm, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jenkins-Alexie was arraigned on the federal charges earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott Oravec.
According to the indictment, on Oct. 16, 2016, in Fairbanks, Jenkins-Alexie allegedly used and brandished firearms while forcefully stealing Sgt. Brandt’s police vehicle. It is further alleged that Jenkins-Alexie had forcibly taken one of these firearms from Sgt. Brandt, as well as stealing his vehicle. Jenkins-Alexie has a previous felony conviction with the State of Alaska, and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.
Currently, Jenkins-Alexie is also under indictment by the State of Alaska on murder charges arising out of the October 2016 shooting.
The Fairbanks Police Department, the North Pole Police Department, the Alaska State Troopers (AST), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Cooper.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Wasilla Man Indicted on Federal Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that a Wasilla man has been indicted on federal wire fraud charges which arose from an alleged scheme that defrauded Alaska consumers.
Dmitry Kudryn, 32, of Wasilla, was named in the indictment charging him with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Kudryn’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for today at 3:30 p.m. before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah M. Smith.
According to the indictment, from July 2014 to the present date, Kudryn allegedly participated in a scheme to defraud Alaska consumers by falsely representing furniture manufactured in China that he sold in Alaska as having been manufactured in Italy. Kudryn purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of wholesale furniture from a manufacturer in China and would then offer that same furniture for sale in Alaska, primarily advertised on the Craigslist.com internet marketplace.
The indictment further alleges that, as part of the long-running scheme, Kudryn would mislead and induce consumers in Alaska by posting materially false Craigslist.com advertisements. Specifically, the Craigslist advertisements would falsely represent the furniture as “Italian leather furniture,” and that each unit was worth $4800 “shipped from the lower 48.” Kudryn would then arrange for the retail sale of the furniture to individuals in Alaska for approximately $2400 per unit, when in reality he allegedly purchased them for less than half that amount.
Anyone with further information, questions, or concerns regarding the activities of Dmitry Kudryn are encouraged to call Homeland Security Investigations in Anchorage at (907) 271-3104.
If convicted, Kudryn faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Under federal sentencing statutes, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Former Soldier Sentenced for Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Kaleb Lee Basey, 28, formerly assigned to Fort Wainwright, Alaska, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline to 15 years in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release, for distribution and transportation of child pornography.
According to evidence presented at trial, in January 2014, Basey posted an advertisement in the “Casual Encounters” section of the Fairbanks Craigslist website that read: “any dads or moms want to share a daughter with me for the night?” Alaska State Troopers received a report about the ad and began an investigation, concerned that an actual minor might be in danger. In less than 24 hours, Troopers identified Basey as the person who posted. He was also identified as being an active duty solider on Fort Wainwright.
Troopers contacted Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) agents and executed a search of the defendant’s barracks room. Law enforcement agents eventually contacted the FBI for assistance. FBI agents were able to identify additional sexually-explicit Craigslist postings by Basey in which he sought access to minor children, as well as email communications in which individuals had responded to these sexually-explicit posts. In one set of emails, the defendant included a picture of child pornography, and told the person with whom he was emailing that he enjoyed watching movies that showed “young girls 5-15yo” engaged in sexual acts with adults. To this email string, the defendant also attached a fully-nude selfie. In a second email, the defendant sent a picture of child pornography to himself.
In addition, the defendant’s computer contained multiple contacts with minors that the defendant made through social media platforms. In his conversations with underage girls, the defendant frequently propositioned the girls for sex, or to engage in sexual acts on camera for his benefit.
The defendant successfully enticed at least one 15-year-old to engage in sexual activity with him. On another occasion, the defendant met and paid a 17-year-old juvenile for sex, and asked this minor if he could film her engaged in sex acts.
At sentencing, Judge Beistline stated that his “primary concern [was] protection of the public.” “You are a pedophile,” Judge Beistline said, “someone who has an interest in having sex with children.” Judge Beistline went on to say that the defendant was “not just a voyeur…you actually seek to participate in it. That sets you apart from other people I have seen in this court.”
Judge Beistline also noted the impact the defendant’s crimes have upon their victims. “You victimize a young child just by looking at their pictures,” said Judge Beistline. “You have lost things because of choices you made,” Judge Beistline told the defendant, “the victims that you chose to victimize didn’t have these choices.” “[There was] no concern on your part for how this conduct impacted the victims,” said Judge Beistline.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Alaska State Troopers, and Army Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Reardon.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Wasilla Teen Sentenced for Providing Marijuana to MinorsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Devin Lee Peterson, 19, resident of Wasilla, Alaska, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline to three years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of marijuana to minors.
The federal sentence will be consecutive to a pending state sentence of six-years to be imposed for Petersons’ role in obstructing the investigation into David Grunwald’s murder in November 2016, and his tampering of evidence from that case.
On the night of Nov. 13, 2016, four men assaulted and murdered David Grunwald in a secluded area near the Knik River off Old Glenn Highway. Following the murder, the men drove to Peterson’s house. Once there, Peterson took possession of the weapons used to assault and murder David Grunwald, and provided gas cans to the group that they used to burn Grunwald’s vehicle.
Alaska State Troopers subsequently obtained a search warrant to search Peterson’s phone. During this examination, Troopers located a photograph of a 16-year-old female performing oral sex on Peterson. In a subsequent examination, Troopers located a 10-second video showing the sexual assault of an incapacitated 15-year-old girl. This video was taken at a party attended by Peterson and others in July 2016. During the party, Peterson gave the girl marijuana, contributing to her extreme intoxication and subsequent assault.
At sentencing, Judge Beistline addressed Peterson’s role in the 15-year-old girl’s sexual assault, as well as his crimes in the Grunwald case. “You’ve done great damage to the community,” said Judge Beistline. Addressing Peterson’s criminal acts to that point in his young life, and his prospects going forward, Judge Beistline said, “You can’t ever pay back the families of these people you’ve injured, but you can demonstrate that you can be a better person than you have been in the past,” commented Judge Beistline. Judge Beistline warned Peterson in no uncertain terms about the consequences of failing to change his ways, “You mess up again its pretty much over…no one is going to be thinking about mercy.”
The Alaska State Troopers (AST) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon.
Alaska Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing 29 Firearms as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Steven Andrew Bush, 56, a former Nikiski resident, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve 45 months in prison for illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon. Bush previously pleaded guilty on Jan. 3, 2018, to one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
On Feb. 8, 2017, the Soldotna Police Department received a call from a resident of the Kenai Peninsula who claimed Bush was carrying a firearm while demanding payment for construction work. Bush had falsely represented himself as a member of law enforcement and possessed a fake Alaska State Troopers badge, along with a t-shirt indicating the wearer was an agent of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A search of Bush’s shared residence in Kenai revealed that he was in possession of 28 firearms, including a fully automatic Sten MKII machinegun. Bush also possessed another firearm in one of his former residences in Danville, Virginia.
Bush has a previous felony conviction in Virginia for embezzlement. As someone convicted of a felony, Bush was prohibited from possessing firearms.
At yesterday’s sentencing hearing, Judge Burgess remarked that it was especially important to “send a message” to people whom might consider falsely representing themselves to be law enforcement agents. As part of the plea agreement, Bush surrendered his law enforcement memorabilia, holsters, and ammunition boxes. The Court also ordered forfeiture of firearms and ammunition that Bush owned.
The Soldotna Police Department, the Alaska State Troopers (AST), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas Walker.
Wasilla Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Downloading Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Tyler Arlan Weis, 41, of Wasilla, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to serve 12 years in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release, for receipt of child pornography.
In October 2016, Alaska State Troopers (AST) investigating an online file-sharing network downloaded multiple files of child pornography from Weis’s computer. Among these files of child pornography were images of adults vaginally and anally penetrating prepubescent females. During a search of Weis’s home, Troopers located images of child pornography on his computer. Also present were multiple hidden camera videos of minors that Weis had secretly recorded while those minors used the bathroom in his home.
At sentencing, Judge Burgess described the defendant’s crime as “extremely serious,” and noted the “profound” effect that the images and videos received, created and possessed by the defendant had on their victims. The images downloaded by the defendant through the file-sharing network “depicted serious, disturbing, heinous violations that [the] children in the videos suffered,” said Judge Burgess. However, as bad as those downloaded files were, the hidden camera videos produced by the defendant were “even more troubling,” according to Judge Burgess, because “the activity occurred in his own house.”
The Alaska State Troopers conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Seven Individuals Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that seven individuals have been indicted on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges. The defendants named in the indictment are:
- Christina Quintana, a/k/a “Lete,” 32, of Las Cruces, New Mexico;
- Andrea Avalos, a/k/a “Josie,” 22, of Las Cruces, New Mexico;
- Peter Krovina, a/k/a “Lil’ Pete,” 39, of Sitka, Alaska;
- Porter Treadway, 36, of Sitka, Alaska;
- Holly Chambers, 25, of Sitka, Alaska;
- Aaron Didrickson, 29, of Sitka, Alaska; and
- Eric Morisky, a/k/a “Curly,” 30, of Juneau, Alaska.
The indictment charges each of them with drug conspiracy and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Quintana and Treadway face additional charges for illegally possessing firearms as convicted felons. On Tuesday, May 1, they each appeared in federal court in Juneau on the charges and were detained pending trial.
According to the indictment, beginning on May 2, 2017, and continuing until April 3, 2018, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of methamphetamine and heroin in Sitka, Alaska. Quintana and Avalos allegedly obtained drugs from California and New Mexico for subsequent distribution in Sitka. Quintana and Avalos intimidated other members in the conspiracy by telling them they were members of a larger drug trafficking gang.
Krovina, Treadway, Chambers, Didrickson, and Morisky were members of the drug conspiracy who assisted Quintana and Avalos in the distribution of the drugs in Sitka, as well as the collection of drug debts from others. They all, including Quintana and Avalos, possessed firearms to facilitate their drug trafficking activities, as well as to extract retribution against members of the drug conspiracy who owed drug debts. For example, the indictment alleges that the defendants organized and perpetrated a violent home invasion and robbery where Quintana shot an individual in both legs, and Treadway attacked another individual with a claw hammer, in order to collect a drug debt owed during the course of the conspiracy.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Sitka Police Department conducted the investigation, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service (USMS), leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack S. Schmidt.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Alaska Man Sentenced to Serve Six Years in Prison for Possessing Firearms as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Joseph Kuzmin, 42, of Voznesenka, Alaska, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve six years in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. A jury previously found Kuzmin guilty of the charge in November 2017, after a three-day trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, on Dec. 28, 2016, in Voznesenka (near Homer), Kuzmin physically assaulted his teenage son, and then threatened to shoot the son, an aunt if she came to assist the son, and any law enforcement officers who responded. The son hid the firearms, then fled the house and called 911. On Dec. 29, 2016, Kuzmin was arrested by the Alaska State Troopers (AST) after he reportedly assaulted his son. The case was referred to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), who then searched Kuzmin’s home in January 2017 and found two rifles and ammunition.
Kuzmin had previously been convicted in Alaska State Court of three felonies, including assault in the third degree. As someone convicted of a felony, Kuzmin was prohibited from possessing firearms.
At the sentencing hearing, the court found that the most important goal of sentencing was to protect other people in the community from Kuzmin, who has a long criminal history, including offenses committed against family members, fisherman on his boat and other boats, and strangers.
ATF and AST conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas Walker.
Three Individuals Charged for Roles in Anchorage Mail Theft RingRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that three Anchorage residents have been charged in an indictment alleging they conspired to obtain checks stolen from the mail, primarily credit card convenience checks, and then negotiated the stolen checks at different banks in Anchorage using stolen identities and bank accounts associated with the stolen identities.
Amber Hecker, 34, Ronald Hecker, 35, and Richard Hoglin, 34, all of Anchorage, were charged in a 22-count indictment that includes charges of conspiracy, bank fraud, possession of stolen mail, and aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, from April 2017 to April 2018, Amber Hecker, Ronald Hecker, and Richard Hoglin, negotiated checks stolen from the mail that were falsely altered and forged. The stolen checks were falsely made out to make the payee a separate stolen identity that was used by the defendants to negotiate the stolen checks. The defendants also used bank accounts associated with the stolen identities to negotiate the stolen and forged checks. It is further alleged that the defendants possessed mail stolen from over 500 victims, including financial records, social security cards, identification cards, and credit cards.
Amber Hecker and Ronald Hecker are scheduled to appear in court today at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively, in Courtroom 6 of the Federal Courthouse. There will be a media availability at approximately 2:00 p.m., immediately following the 1:30 p.m. hearing. Representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Anchorage Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Anchorage Airport Police will be present.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million, or both. Under federal sentencing statutes, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
The Anchorage Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with the Anchorage Airport Police, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mexican National Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Charges in AlaskaRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Jorge Cardenas, a/k/a George Castineda, 42, a Mexican national residing in Girdwood, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, to serve 11 years in prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. Cardenas previously pleaded guilty on July 21, 2017, to conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine.
According to the court documents, for at least five years prior to his arrest in March 2017, Cardenas trafficked large amounts of methamphetamine and other illegal controlled substances throughout Southcentral Alaska, including Anchorage, and Southeast Alaska, including Juneau. A total of approximately 730 grams of methamphetamine was seized from his truck in Juneau and from his residence in Girdwood. The investigation further revealed that Cardenas was making and planning to distribute “gunpowder heroin,” which is heroin laced with fentanyl, and spoke candidly about the likelihood of it causing overdose deaths. In his residence, Cardenas had a shrine dedicated to worshipping Jesus Malverde – the “Patron Saint of Drug Dealers.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), the Juneau Police Department (JPD), the Alaska State Troopers (AST), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. Cardenas was arrested with the assistance of the United States Marshal Service (USMS) and the Anchorage Airport Police. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Stinson.
Two Alaska Men Charged with Harassing, Killing Steller Sea Lions and Obstructing the Investigation into Their Illegal ActivitiesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that two Alaska men have been charged in relation to 15 Steller sea lions found dead during the opening of the 2015 Copper River salmon season. The two men have been charged with harassing and killing Steller sea lions with shotguns and then making false statements and obstructing the government’s investigation into their criminal activities. The Steller sea lion is protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and is listed as an endangered species for the geographic area where the shooting occurred.
Jon Nichols, 31, of Cordova, who was captain of the Fishing Vessel (F/V) Iron Hide, and Theodore “Teddy” Turgeon, 21, of Wasilla, who was a deckhand on the F/V Iron Hide at the time of the offenses, were both named in the indictment. The charges include conspiracy, violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act, obstruction of a Marine Mammal Protection Act investigation, false statements, and obstruction.
According to the indictment, during the first few weeks of the salmon gillnet season that opened on May 14, 2015, fifteen Steller sea lions were discovered dead along the sand bars at the mouth of Copper River fishing district. It is alleged that on various occasions between May and June 2015, Nichols, as the captain of the F/V Iron Hide, regularly directed his crew, which included Turgeon, to get a shotgun kept aboard the vessel, and shoot at Steller sea lions while fishing in the Copper River fishing district. At times, Nichols would shoot the Steller sea lions himself. Nichols would also sometimes drive the F/V Iron Hide in the direction of the Steller sea lions to allow Turgeon to get a better shot at the sea lions.
It is further alleged that, after learning there was an investigation into the dead Steller sea lions, Nichols and Turgeon obstructed the investigation by, among other things, removing the shotgun from the F/V Iron Hide and coordinating false stories between his crew members about the presence of shotguns and the shooting of sea lions. Turgeon is also charged with making false statements to a NOAA law enforcement agent, and Nichols is charged with obstructing and attempting to obstruct a grand jury investigation by endeavoring to influence his crew not to provide truthful information relevant to the investigation.
NOAA, Office of Law Enforcement (NOAA OLE) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anchorage Woman, Inmate Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl in PrisonRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that an Anchorage woman, who is an inmate at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center (HMCC), pleaded guilty yesterday to distributing fentanyl to other inmates while in prison.
Dorothy Elizabeth Lantz, 36, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline to an indictment alleging three counts of distribution of a controlled substance. The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 9, 2018, at 11:00 a.m.
According to court documents, on October 30, 2017, Lantz, an inmate of the Alaska Department of Corrections (DOC), was transferred from Anchorage Correctional Complex to HMCC, while carrying fentanyl inside her body. When she arrived at HMCC that afternoon, Lantz distributed a quantity of fentanyl to another HMCC inmate, and distributed a quantity of fentanyl to two other HMCC inmates the next day, October 31, 2017. In all, between October 30 and October 31, 2017, four HMCC inmates collapsed after taking fentanyl, and one of those inmates collapsed two separate times during that time period. All four inmates were resuscitated and survived. DOC personnel were able to recover .38 grams of fentanyl from one of the HMCC inmates who overdosed after taking fentanyl. The investigation revealed that Lantz had traded the drugs to her fellow HMCC inmates in exchange for commissary items.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million, or both, on the charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation, with assistance from DOC’s Professional Conduct Unit, which led to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea W. Hattan.
Additional Charges Filed Against Alaska Woman Who Allegedly Defrauded Medical Practice of at Least $550,000Read the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that additional bank fraud charges have been filed against an Alaska woman who allegedly defrauded an Anchorage medical practice of at least $550,000.
Jill Diane Applebury, aka: “Jill Wetzsteon,” 53, d/b/a Applebury Accounting Services, and her husband Darin Wade Applebury, 53, both of Anchorage, have been named in a 53-count superseding indictment charging them with bank fraud, wire fraud, fraudulent transactions with an access device, and aggravated identity theft. The superseding indictment includes an additional 14 counts of bank fraud against Jill Applebury, which arose from a related scheme.
From the mid-1990’s until March 2013, Jill Applebury was the independent contractor bookkeeper for an Anchorage medical practice, which was owned and operated by an Anchorage physician. The superseding indictment alleges that from at least 2004 until March 22, 2013, Jill Applebury and Darin Applebury defrauded the Anchorage medical practice in several ways.
According to the superseding indictment, the additional bank fraud charges stem from May 2008 to January 2010, when Jill Applebury used the medical practice’s funds to pay her independent contractor Federal Income Tax Withholding on her nonemployee compensation without authority. Therein, Jill Applebury executed unauthorized and fraudulent transactions from the medical practice’s business bank account to the IRS, wherein the medical practice paid her IRS individual income tax without any reduction in her nonemployee compensation without the knowledge or consent of the medical practice.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Retta-Rae Randall and Andrea W. Hattan.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two Men Sentenced for Series of Armed Robberies and Brandishing a Short-Barreled ShotgunRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that two men were sentenced to federal prison for multiple armed robberies, including the armed robbery of Wells Fargo Bank in August 2016.
Kaleem Tikori Fredericks, 24, was sentenced yesterday to serve 130 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, Hobbs Act conspiracy, and Hobbs Act Robbery. Calel Calvis Alexis Crofford, 25, was sentenced in January 2018, to serve 10 years and 2 days in prison after previously pleading guilty to armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and Hobbs Act conspiracy.
According to court documents, between Aug. 11 and Aug. 18, 2016, Fredericks and Crofford conspired to commit a series of armed robberies. They pointed a loaded short-barreled shotgun, and a BB gun that appeared to be a real handgun, at customers and employees of a bank, three liquor stores, and a gas station. They also committed a smash-and-grab theft from a jewelry store. The series of robberies they committed are as follows:
- Aug. 11, 2016 – Fredericks and Crofford robbed the Captain Sparrow Liquor Store located at 1100 W. Benson Boulevard, using a short-barreled shotgun;
- Aug. 14, 2016 – Fredericks and Crofford robbed the Brown Jug Liquor Store located at 525 West Fireweed Lane, using a short-barreled shotgun;
- Aug. 15, 2016 – Fredericks and Crofford robbed the Tesoro Gas Station located at 545 Muldoon Road, using a loaded short-barreled shotgun;
- Aug. 15. 2016 – Fredericks and Crofford robbed the Brown Jug Liquor Store located at 119 Klevin Street, using a short-barreled shotgun;
- Aug. 18, 2016 – Fredericks and Crofford stole from the Jewelry World kiosk at the Dimond Center Mall;
- Aug. 18, 2016 – Fredericks and Crofford robbed Wells Fargo Bank, using a short-barreled shotgun and a BB gun.
Fredericks and Crofford stole a total of approximately $30,954, which they used to entertain themselves and then try to flee Alaska. Specifically, on Aug. 18, 2016, Fredericks and Crofford drove to Girdwood, Alaska, and disposed of the short-barreled shotgun, a backpack, and some of the clothes worn during the armed robberies. On that same day, they had purchased airline tickets and traveled to the Ted Stevens International Airport together in order to flee to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Anchorage Airport Police, leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas Walker.
Anchorage Woman Sentenced to 105 Months in Federal Prison for Committing Three Bank Robberies Last MayRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Jennifer Marie Trengove, 41, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to serve 105 months in federal prison for committing three bank robberies in Anchorage last May. Trengove previously pleaded guilty in August 2017 to three counts of bank robbery.
According to court documents, Trengove robbed three different branches of Alaska USA Federal Credit Union during a spree between May 24 and May 26, 2017. Trengove committed the robberies at the E. Dimond Blvd. branch on May 24, at the E. Northern Lights Blvd. branch on May 25, and at the Hartzell Road branch on May 26. At each robbery, Trengove walked up to a teller station and presented a demand note to the teller. It was later determined by law enforcement officers that Trengove had not been carrying a firearm during the robberies.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Burgess noted that Trengove had a long history of committing serious crimes dating back to when she was 13 years old. The previous convictions included a 2012 federal conviction for bank robbery in Oregon. Judge Burgess also noted that Trengove had a long history of substance abuse and mental health issues, and had been through multiple treatment programs, which had not prevented her from continuing to commit more crimes to support her drug dependency issues. Judge Burgess commented that there was little he could do at this point other than to protect the public by sentencing Trengove to a lengthy prison sentence.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph W. Bottini.
Former Airline Employee Sentenced for Hacking PenAir’s Ticketing and Reservations SystemRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that a former airline employee has been sentenced in federal court for hacking PenAir’s ticketing and reservation system between April and May 2017.
Suzette Kugler, 59, of Desert Hot Springs, California, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, to serve five years of probation, and 250 hours of community service. Kugler, who has no prior criminal history, previously pleaded guilty as charged to the felony offense on Jan. 26, 2018, to one count of fraud in connection with computers. As part of the plea agreement, Kugler agreed to pay $5,616 in restitution to PenAir, paid in full by the time of sentencing.
According to court documents, Kugler was a long-time employee of PenAir, who parted ways with the company in February 2017, dissatisfied with the circumstances surrounding her departure. During her employment, Kugler had administered PenAir’s Sabre database system, which the airline depended on for ticketing and reservations. The investigation revealed that, upon retirement, Kugler used her specialized knowledge regarding the Sabre database to create fake employee accounts with high-level privileges, without authorization, and then used those accounts to destroy critical information in a series of network intrusions. It was discovered that the primary fake employee account used in the intrusions was created by Kugler a week before she left the company.
Kugler’s unauthorized network intrusions were intended to prevent employees in any of the eight airports serviced by PenAir from being able to book, ticket, modify, or board any flight until the stations were again added in the system. PenAir personnel worked through the night to bring the stations back online.
The Court at sentencing commended PenAir for remediating the damage caused by Kugler before it resulted in significant disruption for air travelers in Alaska and other states.
Special Agents with the Cyber Unit of the Anchorage Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander.
Juneau Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Mack Arthur Parker, 52, of Juneau, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve 34 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on June 25, 2017, in Juneau, Parker was found unconscious behind the wheel of a running vehicle, with the window down and blocking traffic. When the officer woke Parker, the officer saw Parker immediately reach under his leg after the vehicle lurched forward. The officer stuck his head in the window and observed that Parker was reaching for a pistol tucked under his leg. The officer reached in the vehicle and secured the firearm, which had a loaded magazine and round in the chamber. Parker was also in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, a glass pipe, and a digital scale.
Parker had previously been convicted in the Superior Court for the State of Alaska on Feb. 11, 2001, for Robbery in the First Degree. As someone convicted of a felony, Parker was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Juneau Police Department (“JPD”) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt.
Anchorage Woman Sentenced for Embezzling Funds from Local UnionRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that an Anchorage woman has been sentenced in federal court for embezzling nearly $200,000 from a local union.
Anne C. Reddig, 63, of Anchorage, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve 14 months in prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $139,960.66 in restitution. Reddig previously pleaded guilty on Sept. 25, 2017, to embezzlement of assets by a labor organization officer.
According to court documents, from March 2007 until she resigned in September 2014, Reddig served as the Secretary-Treasurer of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (“IATSE”) Local Union (“LU”) #918. The investigation revealed that Reddig, while an officer of IATSE LU 918, embezzled $193,275.52 in union funds and converted the funds to her own personal use between March 2010 and September 2014. Reddig embezzled the funds by transferring money directly from union accounts into her own accounts, forging the signature of another union officer on checks she wrote for her own benefit, using ATM machines to withdraw cash directly from union accounts, and spending union funds at retail stores via the union’s debit card. The investigation further revealed that Reddig also submitted false reports to the United States Department of Labor by failing to disclose the union funds that she had received.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas Walker.
Anchorage Man Sentenced to 50 Months in Federal Prison for Involvement in Opium Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that an Anchorage man was sentenced to federal prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of opium, and for possession of methamphetamine.
Kao Ching Saelee, 51, of Anchorage, was sentenced on Monday, April 9, by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to 50 months in prison. Saelee was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2016, together with three co-defendants, for his role in the conspiracy to distribute the opium. Saelee was additionally charged in a separate count for possession of the methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty to the opium and methamphetamine charges in October 2017.
According to court documents, between April and June 2016 in Anchorage, Saelee was involved in helping to distribute approximately 1,200 grams of opium in three separate transactions. The investigation revealed that Saelee had allowed his residence in Anchorage to be used to store large amounts of opium, which were distributed by another participant in the conspiracy. On June 14, 2016, a federal search warrant was executed at Saelee’s residence leading to the seizure of additional amounts of opium and a large amount of methamphetamine.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph W. Bottini.
Woman from American Samoa Sentenced for Filing Approximately 200 Fraudulent Tax Returns on Behalf of Other IndividualsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that an American Samoan woman has been sentenced in federal court for filing approximately 200 fraudulent tax returns on behalf of other individuals living in American Samoa seeking over $1 million in fraudulent returns.
Corina F. Ifopo, 54, of American Samoa, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve two years in prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Ifopo previously pleaded guilty on Dec. 12, 2017, to 28 counts of false claims to a government agency.
According to court documents, Ifopo became the subject of a federal investigation when the IRS fraud detection center identified approximately 200 tax returns claiming over $1 million in refunds that were fraudulently claimed by residents in American Samoa. These claims were linked with commonalities including a fictional post office box used by Ifopo, with some or all of the related funds being funneled through accounts linked to Ifopo.
The investigation revealed that, beginning in May 2014 and continuing to February 2016, Ifopo falsely claimed that the individuals lived in the United States, including Alaska, and falsely claimed that they were owed refunds when they were not. The false claims included listing false dependents, false withholdings, and claiming earned income credits when they were not applicable.
IRS Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward.
Two Alaska Residents Charged for Attempting to Smuggle Drugs into PrisonRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that two Alaska residents have been charged for attempting to smuggle drugs into the State of Alaska Department of Corrections (“DOC”) Mat-Su Pretrial Correctional Facility (“Mat-Su Pretrial”) in Palmer.
Joshua Jacob Reed, 30, an inmate at Mat-Su Pretrial at the time of the offense, and Olivia Danielle Blake, 27, of Wasilla, were both named in the indictment. Reed is charged with (1) attempt to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, and (2) attempt to possess contraband in prison. Blake is charged with (1) distribution of a controlled substance, and (2) attempt to provide contraband in prison.
According to the indictment, on or about Feb. 28, 2017, Blake allegedly attempted to pass drugs to Reed, who was an inmate at Mat-Su Pretrial at the time. Blake did so at Reed’s direction on the morning that Reed was set for trial in an unrelated state criminal case. The drugs that Reed and Blake attempted to smuggle into Mat-Su Pretrial included quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and Buprenorphine, which is one of the narcotic drugs in Suboxone.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million, or both, for the most serious charges alleged in the indictment. Under federal sentencing statutes, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) conducted the investigation, with assistance from DOC, which led to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea W. Hattan.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fairbanks Man Charged for Misapplying over $300,000 from Organization Receiving Federal FundsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that a Fairbanks man has been indicted for willfully misapplying over $300,000 from an organization receiving federal funds, among other charges.
David Michael McGraw, 38, of Fairbanks, was named in a seven-count indictment charging him with misapplication from an organization receiving federal funds, money laundering, and making and subscribing a false return.
From 2010 to 2014, McGraw was the Finance Director for the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (“Watershed Council”), a nonprofit corporation formed to improve and preserve the water quality of the Yukon River. The organization received federal grant money in excess of $1 million each fiscal year that McGraw was the Financial Director. According to the indictment, McGraw intentionally misapplied approximately $315,000 from the Watershed Council for his personal benefit including, among other things, the purchase of an airplane, maintenance on the airplane, flight school for himself, the purchase of real estate, more than a dozen firearms, and online pornography fees.
The indictment alleges that McGraw willfully misapplied funds from the Watershed Council by, among other methods, diverting money from the Watershed Council to two corporations set up at his direction, Clear Skies Aviation LLC and Interior Rentals LLC. McGraw used the money he diverted to these corporations to purchase and maintain an airplane and to make a down payment on real estate.
The indictment further alleges that, for the years 2011 to 2013, McGraw knowingly filed false personal income tax returns, which failed to disclose the business income from Clear Skies Aviation LLC.
If convicted, McGraw faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison for the misapplication and money laundering charges, up to three years in prison for the false tax return charges, and a $250,000 fine.
The IRS-Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), with assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General (“EPA OIG”) and the National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General (“NSF OIG”), conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
California Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Federal Drug and Gun Offenses in AnchorageRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that a California man was sentenced on Friday, March 9, 2017, for federal drug and gun offenses in Anchorage.
Abreain Terron Dalton, 36, of Victorville, California, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve 15 years in prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. Dalton was also ordered to forfeit $4,830. Dalton previously pleaded guilty on Oct. 10, 2017, to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and carrying a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking.
According to court documents, on April 29, 2017, APD responded to a report of a man “passed out” behind the wheel of a running vehicle on Tudor Road. When officers arrived, they blocked the car, and were eventually able to wake the driver, who was identified as Dalton. The officers were able to persuade Dalton to turn off his vehicle. As the officers attempted to convince him to exit, however, Dalton turned the car back on and tried to ram the blocking police cars out of the way, which failed and led to him trying to escape by foot. While Dalton was attempting to escape from the officers, he discarded a bag.
The investigation revealed that the bag contained distributable amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine – in both forms: powder and crack. The investigation further revealed that Dalton had been in possession of a stolen pistol during the offense. Upon Dalton’s arrest, he was in possession of approximately $4800 in drug proceeds, which was going to be used to purchase more drugs for future distribution in Alaska.
The Anchorage Police Department (“APD”) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephan Collins prosecuted this case.
Former Anchorage Resident Charged with Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Mitchell Zong, 45, a former Anchorage resident, has been charged in federal court with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to the allegations in the Felony Information, between Sept. 8, 2013, and April 4, 2014, Mitchell Zong allegedly conspired with others to commit money laundering violations in excess of $10,000, with the funds being the result of violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transaction and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR).
Mitchell Zong’s father, Kenneth Zong, is currently under indictment in the District of Alaska for similar violations of IEEPA, ITSR, and money laundering. Kenneth Zong is currently in custody in the Republic of South Korea for violations of Korean law.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit money laundering is 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. An arraignment date has not yet been set.
The FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Steven E. Skrocki.
An Information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anchorage Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Misael Oquendo Vazquez, 45, of Anchorage, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to serve eight years in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release, for possession of child pornography.
Vazquez used messaging applications on his phone and cloud-based storage sites to distribute and receive child pornography. When contacted by law enforcement, he was in possession of dozens of images and videos showing the sexual exploitation of minors, including videos that showed toddler-aged children being abused. The defendant also possessed a collection of non-pornographic images of children being spanked, some of whom had been abused to the point that their buttocks were bruised and injured.
At sentencing, Judge Burgess noted the seriousness of the crime, focusing on the victims in the child pornography images traded by Vazquez, as well as the children in the corporal punishment videos. Vazquez’s crime was serious not only because of “what it has done to the children in the [child pornography] videos” possessed by the defendant, said Judge Burgess, but also because of the “defendant’s proclivity to images that show corporal punishment, including images that show bruising [of kids].” Judge Burgess also was concerned about the threat posed by the defendant to the community, given the fact that he had been involved in the downloading and viewing of child pornography for more than 10 years.
Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Alaska Fugitive Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that an Anchorage man, who is currently a fugitive, was sentenced yesterday in federal court for possessing images of child pornography.
Joshua Michael Evans, 45, of Eagle River, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, to serve 14 years in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Evans previously pleaded guilty on Nov. 2, 2016, to possession of child pornography and was placed on pretrial release pending sentencing. In October 2017, shortly before he was scheduled to be sentenced, Evans disappeared, prompting a manhunt by U.S. Probation, the FBI, and Alaska State Troopers. Evans remains at large.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office advises that anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Joshua Evans are encouraged to call FBI Anchorage Field Office at 907-276-4441.
According to court documents, in May 2016, Evans became the subject of a federal investigation after law enforcement officials discovered Evans was using the internet to download videos and images of child sexual exploitation. Evans has a previous conviction from 2001 by the State of Alaska for sexual abuse of a minor.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and the Anchorage Police Department (“APD”) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office commends the efforts of U.S. Probation, FBI, and the Alaska State Troopers in responding to Evans’ disappearance.
This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice ongoing Project Safe Child (PSC) initiative. In May 2006, DOJ launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, identify and rescue victims and to educate the public about safe Internet use, thereby reducing the risk that children might fall prey to online sexual predators. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov or call the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.