District of Alaska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
U.S. District Court rules in favor of the government after weeks-long trial in alleged birth injury case against military providers in AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman announced today a complete defensive verdict in a medical malpractice claim brought against the U.S. under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). On Nov. 6, 2025, a judgment was entered in favor of the U.S. following a three-week bench trial before visiting U.S. District Judge Scott A. Rash. On Feb. 10, 2026, the Court entered a judgement against the plaintiffs and ordered them to pay $44,000 in legal costs to the U.S.
On June 13, 2023, the plaintiffs, Emily and Justin Acker, filed a medical malpractice complaint against the U.S. for alleged birth injuries sustained by their baby, who was born at Bassett Army Community Hospital at Fort Wainwright in late 2020. Under the FTCA, the U.S. is liable for medical malpractice claims arising from the actions of its employees acting within the scope of their employment. A plaintiff bringing an FTCA complaint must prove healthcare providers breached the standard of care and caused injury to the patient.
In their complaint, the plaintiffs claimed doctors and nurses at the hospital caused the child to suffer a skull fracture and permanent brain injury during a C-section delivery. However, the evidence demonstrated that at birth, the child was in excellent condition but returned to the hospital three weeks later manifesting symptoms of a severe brain injury, a rib fracture, and a fractured wrist. The Ackers were seeking over $14 million in economic damages.
In an order filed on Nov. 6, 2025, the Court found that the evidence did not demonstrate or establish that the healthcare providers at Bassett breached the applicable standard of care during the birth of the child. The Court specifically remarked that “[g]iven the extensive injuries [the infant] presented with… it strains credulity to find that such injuries occurred at birth but did not have any medically significant manifestation for approximately twenty days.” The Court found the evidence did not demonstrate any medical providers deviated from the standard of care and that the child’s injuries were not caused by the doctors.
The Court ordered the plaintiffs to pay the U. S. $44,000 in costs accrued while defending the case.
“I want to commend our Assistant U.S. Attorneys of their tireless fight to receive a defensive verdict on behalf of the U.S. in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Their work helps ensure that our military medical professionals can work to provide our armed forces and their families with the best possible care, as well as protects the American taxpayers from frivolous claims.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Traini and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Scheperle handled the case on behalf of the U.S.
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Wasilla man receives 30-year sentence for distribution of carfentanil, resulting in one fatal and one non-fatal overdoseRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Wasilla man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison and will serve the rest of his life on court mandated supervision following release from federal custody for distributing carfentanil to two people, resulting in the near fatal overdose of an adult victim and the fatal overdose of a minor victim.
According to court documents, on Nov. 14, 2024, Sean Mobley, 45, agreed to supply an individual with fentanyl powder to distribute to a third party. Mobley and the intermediary drove to a residence in Wasilla, where the intermediary sold the powder to an adult victim for $100. Shortly after the sale, the adult victim used the substance and overdosed. The adult victim was revived by Naloxone. Law enforcement later determined that the powdered substance that Mobley believed was fentanyl was, in fact, carfentanil. Carfentanil is an opioid used by veterinarians and is 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
After distributing carfentanil to the adult victim, Mobley drove to a local gas station, dropped the individual off, and picked up the 16-year-old victim. Mobley took the minor victim to an isolated location intending to use drugs together. Mobley provided some of the substance containing carfentanil to the minor victim. The minor victim used the substance, overdosed and died within minutes. Mobley dumped her body in a remote area and fled.
Following the overdoses, Mobley was found with a shotgun. On Jan. 28, 2025. At that time, Mobley was prohibited from possessing the weapon under federal law because of three prior felony convictions.
On June 10, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Mobley with distribution resulting in death and serious bodily injury. On July 17, a federal grand jury returned a separate indictment charging Mobley with being a felon in possession of a firearm and being an unlawful drug user and addict in possession of a firearm. On Oct. 9, Mobley pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution resulting in death or bodily injury, and one count of possessing a firearm as a felon.
During sentencing, the Court stipulated that Mobley will serve 30 years in prison for the distribution charges, and will serve 2 years in prison concurrently for the firearm charge.
“Mr. Mobley acted callously and without remorse. He peddled whatever he could get his hands on to make a quick buck, including deadly drugs, with zero regard for human life,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Let this be a warning—whether you lead an international drug trafficking organization or are a street-level dealer—if you endanger Alaskans, the consequences will be severe.”
“Mr. Mobley showed complete disregard for human life when he provided the deadly dose of carfentanil to the 16-year-old victim,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Not only did the teenage girl overdose in his vehicle, but instead of trying to get help, he disposed of her body in a remote area and fled. DEA was proud to work with our partners at the Alaska State Troopers and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska to seek justice for the young victim in this case. Mr. Mobley will spend the next 30 years paying for his complete disregard for human life. Let this sentence also send a message to other drug traffickers: you will be held accountable for peddling this poison.”
“This significant sentence reflects the danger and seriousness of distributing illicit drugs like carfentanil,” said Alaska State Troopers Colonel Maurice Hughes. “These drugs upend lives and devastate communities across our great state. Your Alaska State Troopers will continue to hold offenders accountable and keep dangerous narcotics out of Alaska.”
The DEA Anchorage District Office and the Alaska State Troopers investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Bradley and Alana Weber are prosecuting the case, with assistance and collaboration from the State of Alaska Department of Law, Office of Special Prosecutions.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of drug trafficking and violent crime.
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Anchorage woman indicted, arrested for wire, bank fraud scheme involving mail theft and aggravated identity theftRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage woman was arrested Wednesday in Anchorage after a federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment last month alleging she executed a wire and bank fraud scheme where she stole victims’ personal identifying information to use in fraudulently obtaining funds from several Alaskan organizations and financial institutions.
According to court documents, between February 2021 and February 2022, Dusty Starr, 47, devised and executed a scheme to defraud and obtain money from victims through materially false and fraudulent pretenses.
The indictment alleges Starr executed a wire fraud scheme using stolen identities to fraudulently apply for rent relief funds available during the pandemic. On one occasion in July 2021, Starr applied for rent relief funds using a fraudulently created email account with information stolen from a victim. Starr used the victim’s stolen identity and a fraudulent business certificate she obtained in the victim’s name for an LLC to apply. In the application, Starr falsely claimed that the victim was a landlord needing help with a renter who could not pay rent. Between July and November 2021, three separate payments were made to a bank account Starr fraudulently opened in the victim’s name and that Starr controlled. The three payments totaled to over $17,000. Starr used similar conduct on other occasions to obtain additional funds. The total estimated loss from Starr’s fraudulent applications for rent relief is over $47,500.
Court documents also allege that Starr committed bank fraud by forging checks belonging to Alaska organizations to steal funds from their accounts at various financial institutions. On one occasion in September 2021, Starr deposited a forged check funded from a religious organization’s account at a federally insured financial institution to a different account in her name for $918. The organization reported the check and others to the Alaska State Troopers (AST). AST and the financial institution identified five fraudulent checks and one unauthorized electronic funds transfer from the organization’s account. The religious organization’s total estimated loss from the fraudulent transactions is over $6,250. Starr used similar conduct on other occasions to steal additional funds from other Alaska organizations.
Starr is charged with three counts of wire fraud, three counts of bank fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft and two counts of possession of stolen mail. The defendant is scheduled to make her initial court appearance on Jan. 20, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years for each aggravated identity theft charge, and up to 30 years in prison for the other charges. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska, Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Seattle Division Office and Chief Sean Case of the Anchorage Police Department made the announcement.
More information about this case is available at www.justice.gov/usao-ak/united-states-v-dusty-starr. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile and APD are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. If anyone has information concerning Starr’s alleged actions, please contact the USPIS Hotline at 877-876-2455 or online at USPIS.gov/report.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Stewart is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Pelican man indicted for advertising, distributing child pornographyRead the Press Release
JUNEAU, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment this week charging a Pelican man with advertising and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This case is one of three cases charged in Alaska through Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.
According to court documents, between July 5 and 20, 2024, Adam Pool, 39, knowingly made a notice and advertisement seeking and offering to exchange CSAM and knowingly distributed CSAM via the internet.
Pool is charged with one count of advertising child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. The defendant is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted of both counts, he faces between 15 and 50 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement as part of Operation Relentless Justice. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office, Juneau Resident Agency is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Reed and Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Kipnuk man indicted for child pornography offensesRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment this week charging a Kipnuk man with multiple child pornography offenses. This case is one of three cases charged in Alaska through Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.
According to court documents, between Aug. 11 to 13, 2025, Petngalria Paul, aka “Garrett,” 28, distributed, received and possessed child sexual abuse materials within Alaska.
Paul is charged with one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The defendant is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement as part of Operation Relentless Justice. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office is investigating the case, as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers. If anyone has information concerning Paul’s alleged actions or may have encountered someone using the name “Petngalria Paul” or “Garrett Paul” in person or online, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ibad Jafri are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Former Ketchikan church elder indicted for child exploitation offensesRead the Press Release
JUNEAU, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment this week charging a former Ketchikan church elder with sexually exploiting a child outside the U.S. and with possessing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). This case is one of three cases charged in Alaska through Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.
According to court documents, between March and November 2019, Dwight Chris John, 74, induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct while outside the U.S. in order to produce visual depictions of such conduct. The indictment alleges that John intended to and did transport those visual depictions back to the U.S.
The indictment further alleges that beginning on Nov. 1, 2019, and continuing through May 16, 2024, John knowingly possessed CSAM in Alaska. The CSAM allegedly involved a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
John is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children outside the U.S. and one count of possession of child pornography. The defendant is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted of both counts, he faces up to 50 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement as part of Operation Relentless Justice. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office, Juneau Resident Agency is investigating the case, with assistance from the Ketchikan Police Department, as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. If anyone has information concerning John’s alleged actions, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Reed and Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Two Alaska State Troopers indicted on federal criminal civil rights violationsRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment yesterday charging two Alaska State Troopers with federal criminal civil rights violations while serving in the line of duty during an incident in May 2024.
According to court documents, on May 24, 2024, Joseph Miller, 50, and Jason Woodruff, 43, acting in their official capacity as law enforcement officials with the Alaska State Troopers under the color of the law, allegedly deprived a victim of his constitutional rights.
The indictment alleges that Miller and Woodruff, while acting under the color of law as a Sergeant and a Trooper with the Alaska State Troopers, respectively, willfully deprived a victim of his right to be free from unreasonable seizures, which includes the right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a law enforcement officer.
Specifically, the indictment alleges that Miller tased, hit and kicked the victim without legal justification, and that the offense involved the use of a dangerous weapon, resulting in bodily injury to the victim. The indictment further alleges that Woodruff unreasonably caused and directed his police canine, Olex, to bite the victim while the victim did not pose a threat that warranted use of the police canine, resulting in bodily injury to the victim.
Miller and Woodruff are each charged with one count of deprivation of rights under the color of law. The defendants are scheduled to make their initial court appearances on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bradley is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Florida man sentenced to 13 years for leading a Fairbanks drug trafficking organizationRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A Florida man was sentenced last week to 13 years in prison for leading a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in Fairbanks.
According to court documents, Willie Lewis Wilson Jr., 41, of Madison, Florida, conspired with others to operate a drug trafficking organization in Fairbanks. Wilson was the leader of the organization and set up several residences for his co-conspirators to sell cocaine and methamphetamine.
In April 2025, multiple search warrants were authorized for various locations associated with the organization. Law enforcement discovered a safe maintained by Wilson filled with over 3,000 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine. Wilson used his stockpile to supply other members of the organization.
“Mr. Wilson moved from Florida to Alaska intending to operate a drug trafficking organization and profit at the expense of our communities. That was a mistake. He will now spend over a dozen years behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and exhaust all available resources to stop the flow of dangerous drugs into Alaska.”
“Drug traffickers like Mr. Wilson prey on our communities for money and without regard for the lives they ruin,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle. “This time, the ruined life was his own as he spends the next 13 years paying his debt to society.”
Wilson’s co-defendants in this case are as follows:
Tremain Wilson, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances on Oct. 30, 2025, and is scheduled to be sentenced for their role in the conspiracy on Jan. 30, 2026.
Jarkese Pridgeon, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances on Oct. 30, 2025, and is scheduled to be sentenced for their role in the conspiracy on January 30, 2026.
The DEA Anchorage District Office investigated the case, with assistance from the North Pole Police Department, Fairbanks Police Department, High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Fairbanks Areawide Narcotics Team (FANT) and Anchorage Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek prosecuted the case.
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Ketchikan man sentenced to 5 years for possessing a firearm as a felon during a domestic violence assaultRead the Press Release
JUNEAU, Alaska – A Ketchikan man was sentenced today to five years in prison and will serve three years of court mandated supervision upon release from prison for possessing a firearm as a felon during a domestic violence assault.
According to court documents, on Oct. 27, 2024, the Ketchikan Police Department (KPD) received a 911 phone call and heard a male and female arguing. The female was crying and begging the man to let her leave the residence. The man later referenced a loaded firearm present in the room. KPD immediately sent officers to respond to a residence in Ketchikan.
Law enforcement identified Michael McLoone, 57, as the man in the room with the female victim. McLoone was agitated when officers contacted him. The female victim said she and McLoone were arguing, and she was afraid he was going to harm her. Officers arrested McLoone for felony assault, and a criminal history check revealed that McLoone had two previous felony convictions for assault, prohibiting him from possessing firearms for life.
Law enforcement recovered three firearms, magazines, ammunition and body armor from McLoone’s residence following his arrest.
On June 17, 2025, McLoone pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“Mr. McLoone can only be categorized as a serial domestic violence offender, with multiple state assault convictions spanning 30 years. His lengthy record of violence against women poses a great risk to Alaskans,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “This prison sentence will protect the Ketchikan community and its residents from Mr. McLoone for many years. My office will continue to prosecute and hold accountable offenders who illegally possess firearms and use them to inflict fear and harm.”
“Mr. McLoone’s utter disregard for the law coupled with his propensity for violence against women makes him a pressing and undeniable danger to society. ATF is proud to stand alongside our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to shield our community members from the threat of domestic violence,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division.
“Based on the evidence gathered throughout this investigation, Michael McLoone has demonstrated a long pattern of violent behavior and repeated abuse. His conduct has escalated over time, creating an increasingly dangerous environment for his domestic partners. It is fortunate that those who have been involved with Mr. McLoone survived these incidents,” said Deputy Chief Derek McGarrigan of KPD. “The Ketchikan Police Department remains committed to working closely with our local, state, and federal partners to hold violent offenders accountable and to protect the safety of our community.”
The ATF Anchorage Field Office and KPD investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.
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Anchorage man sentenced to 15 years for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine in AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for trafficking large quantities of illicit narcotics in Anchorage and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes.
According to court documents, in February 2024, Thurman Reed, 67, sold roughly six grams of fentanyl analogue and six grams of heroin. In March 2024, Reed also sold over 27 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine. One week later, Reed sold over 49 grams of heroin. In May 2024, Reed also sold over 311 grams of methamphetamine.
In late May 2024, the FBI and Anchorage Police Department (APD) executed a search warrant on Reed’s residence and a storage unit, recovering a cumulative total of over 10 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, 245 grams of fentanyl, 485 grams of heroin and 15 grams of cocaine.
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of AlaskaThe FBI and APD also recovered a firearm at Reed’s residence during the search. The firearm was found inside a backpack that contained distribution quantities of dangerous drugs and a digital scale. At the time of the search, Reed had seven prior felony convictions.
On Aug. 14, 2025, Reed pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“Mr. Reed was clearly undeterred by his seven prior felony convictions and chose to stockpile and distribute large quantities of dangerous drugs in Alaska, putting our communities at significant risk,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “My office is resolute in its commitment to target and prosecute drug traffickers for the crimes that are devastating our communities.”
“Over the course of our investigation, the FBI and APD seized a stockpile of deadly drugs, including over 22 pounds of methamphetamine that this seven-time convicted felon had intended for distribution in Alaska,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Now, Reed’s days of menacing our community are over. We will continue working with our partners at every level to hold drug traffickers accountable."
"I want to thank the FBI and the Anchorage High-Intensity Drug Tracking Area (HIDTA) Unit for their steadfast dedication in the aggressive pursuit of those trafficking deadly drugs within Alaska. I also want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office for prosecuting these cases so there is accountability for outrageous acts in our community. This case is a very clear example of our commitment to reducing the drugs in this community that have had such a devastating impact. People involved in this level of distribution should be investigated, prosecuted, and placed in jail for long periods of time so they will not continue to cause harm," said Chief Sean Case of the Anchorage Police Department.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and APD investigated the case as part of the Anchorage High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ainsley McNerney prosecuted the case.
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Eagle River man sentenced to 20 years for child exploitation offensesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Eagle River man pleaded guilty and was sentenced today to 20 years in prison and will spend the rest of his life on supervised release for attempting to coerce a minor, and for receiving, distributing and possessing child pornography.
According to court documents, on Sept. 25, 2023, Michael Koetter, 30, sent a message to a commercial sex worker in Alaska, asking about finding girls under the age of 12 who had “rates,” which is described as prices for sex acts or sexually explicit images. Koetter’s intention with this request was to access a minor for the purpose of coercing them to engage in sexual activity. The sex worker reported the conversation to law enforcement.
The FBI executed a search warrant on Koetter’s person, vehicle and residence, and discovered multiple digital devices containing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and conversations of child sexual abuse. The FBI seized a thumb drive that contained a file folder with roughly 72 subfolders holding over 1,400 files, many of which contained images and videos depicting child sexual abuse involving pre-pubescent minors as young as toddlers.
The thumb drive also contained two text files, one of which was labeled “Manifesto.txt,” where he described himself as a “hardcore child rapist” with a mission “to rape and molest as many children as [he] can before [he] die[s].”
The investigation determined that Koetter was convicted of possessing child pornography in Indiana in 2019, before he moved to Alaska “for a fresh start.”
Koetter pleaded guilty to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
“Mr. Koetter is a recidivist sex offender who made the mistake of moving to Alaska and seeking another child to exploit. Now, he will spend the next 20 years behind bars and the rest of his life on supervised release,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “I want to thank the witness who came forward to report Mr. Koetter’s perversity, as that report and the hard work of our law enforcement partners has prevented the defendant from harming another child for the next 20 years.”
“Koetter, a repeat sex offender, committed disturbing child exploitation crimes across jurisdictions, and with a broader plan to continue sexually exploiting and traumatizing as many young children as he could,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “This investigation and sentencing represent the FBI’s commitment to ensuring sadistic child predators like Koetter are held accountable and removed from our communities. Our children are undeniably safer with him behind bars.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office investigated the case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Anchorage Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Brickey prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Anchorage man sentenced to 30 years for producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for possessing and producing child pornography of multiple minors known to him, including images of his hands-on sexual abuse of one of the minors.
According to court documents, in 2017, Richard Dougherty, 43, began sexually abusing a minor under the age of 16. Dougherty took photos and videos of the sexual abuse, creating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).
Between January 2003 and April 2023, Dougherty possessed, accessed with intent to view, received and distributed CSAM. Some of the CSAM Dougherty distributed were visual depictions, including video, of him sexually abusing the minor victim.
Throughout the course of the investigation, the defendant knowingly possessed over 600 images of CSAM.
On May 27, 2025, Dougherty pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
“Mr. Dougherty’s crimes are despicable and perverse. This 30-year sentence ensures that the public and Alaska’s children are protected from his deviancy for the maximum number of years permitted under the law,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman. “I want to commend the survivors for showing extraordinary strength. I also want to thank U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Alaska State Troopers for their diligent investigative work that helped bring this case to justice. We will continue to work together to hold accountable predators who target our children.”
“The exploitation of children is one of the most reprehensible crimes that we encounter,” said Alaska State Troopers Colonel Maurice Hughes. “The Alaska State Troopers will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect Alaskans, keep our children safe, and hold offenders accountable.”
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Alaska State Troopers investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Kotzebue man sentenced to 10 years for sexually exploiting a minor to possess child pornographyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Kotzebue man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison and will serve an additional 25 years on court mandated supervision upon release for surreptitiously sexually exploiting a minor female known to him in Bethel. The 10-year sentence is the statutory maximum penalty for his crime.
According to court documents, on July 30, 2023, the mother of the minor victim contacted the local police department to report that Jesse Hadley, 33, sexually exploited the minor victim. The mother found a video on a family electronic device that showed Hadley’s face as he surreptitiously placed a camera in the bedroom of the minor victim.
Within minutes of Hadley installing the hidden camera, it recorded the minor victim enter the bedroom and captured the minor victim in a state of undress. Hadley later retrieved the hidden camera.
On June 17, 2025, Hadley pleaded guilty to one count of sexually exploiting a child to possess child pornography.
In handing down the sentence yesterday, the Court emphasized the abuse of trust Hadley exhibited in exploiting a child that he had access to, as well as his troubling history of violence against women and girls.
“Mr. Hadley, a man with a history of assault and domestic violence, continued his deplorable pattern of behavior by secretly filming and exploiting the minor victim. His actions resulted in the statutory maximum penalty for his offense,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “My office continues to prioritize protecting Alaska’s children, wherever they live. We will continue to work closely with all our law enforcement partners across the state to track down child predators and hold them accountable for their reprehensible actions.”
“Not only was Hadley’s behavior disturbing and predatory, but also an egregious abuse of trust,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Protecting children is one of our most critical responsibilities. The FBI will continue to identify and hold accountable those who exploit our most vulnerable.”
“The Bethel Police Department is committed in efforts to investigate and combat child exploitation online, particularly in rural areas like Bethel, Alaska, where the spread of internet-related offenses can be more challenging due to geographic isolation,” said Chief Jeffrey Kirkham of the Bethel Police Department. “Public cooperation and reporting reinforce the importance of cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies to address these crimes comprehensively, and obtain justice for the victims bringing those responsible accountable for their actions.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and the Bethel Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ainsley McNerney prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
UPDATE: This release has been updated to correct the defendant's city of residence.
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Anchorage man sentenced to 20 years for leading local drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man currently serving a 20-year term of incarceration was sentenced yesterday to an additional 20 years in prison for leading a drug trafficking organization that was responsible for trafficking over eight kilograms of dangerous drugs in Alaska.
According to court documents, from April to December 2023, Rodney Godwin, 51, organized and operated a drug trafficking organization while under indictment for a separate drug trafficking crime. Godwin’s organization imported and distributed over 3.8 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.6 kilograms of cocaine and 1.3 kilograms of heroin within Alaska. Godwin also possessed numerous firearms in connection to the drug trafficking organization.
On Sept. 12, 2023, Godwin was arrested after he failed to appear for sentencing in another federal drug trafficking case. Immediately prior to his arrest, Godwin was a passenger in a vehicle that left the area of two motorhomes he used for his drug operation. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Godwin fled. He was apprehended later that day after a brief foot pursuit. Law enforcement officers discovered roughly $6,000 in cash on his person and a loaded handgun close to where he was arrested. He was sentenced in absentia to 20 years in federal prison earlier that day while in abscond status prior to his arrest.
Law enforcement continued their investigation and searched the vehicle. They found over $192,000 in cash, large amounts of drugs and a loaded firearm. Law enforcement also searched one of the motorhomes Godwin was using to traffic drugs and discovered large quantities of drugs and multiple firearms. Godwin continued to lead the organization from jail after he was arrested.
On May 23, 2024, Godwin and seven co-defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in this matter. On May 10, 2025, Godwin pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. At sentencing, the Court ordered Godwin to serve his 20-year sentence consecutive to the 20-year sentence he received for his earlier federal drug trafficking conviction from 2023. In handing down the sentence, the Court emphasized Godwin’s extensive criminal history, the significance of his crime and the message his sentence sends to the public. Specifically, the Court expressed that if criminals running the drug trafficking organizations targeting Alaska reoffend, there will be harsh consequences.
“Mr. Godwin has a long criminal history and chose to continue to engage in conduct that placed our community at risk, landing him in jail for nearly the rest of his life," said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. "This sentence should serve as a warning to offenders in Alaska that my office, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state and local level, will be relentless in our efforts to keep our community safe from drug trafficking and violent crime.”
“Godwin oversaw the importation and distribution of dangerous drugs into and throughout Alaska, jeopardizing public safety in a profound way,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “For his actions, he will now spend decades in federal prison. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will not allow criminals like Godwin to operate with impunity in our communities.”
- Calvin Oktollik, 37, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty on July 28, 2025, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2026.
- Miles Apatiki, 38, of Anchorage, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of money laundering conspiracy. Apatiki’s case remains pending.
- Jennifer Godwin, 41, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty on July 11, 2025, and is scheduled to be sentenced on a later date.
- Andrew Akulaw, 42, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty on Nov. 18, 2025, and is scheduled to be sentenced on a later date.
- Reigna Archuleta, 40, of Anchorage, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of attempted possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and one count of carrying firearms during a drug trafficking crime. Archuleta’s case remains pending.
- David Henry, 51, of Palmer, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Henry’s case remains pending.
- Page Peak, 27, of Sterling, pleaded guilty on July 30, 2025, and is scheduled to be sentenced on a later date.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department investigated the case as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile, IRS Criminal Investigation, Alaska State Troopers and U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Beausang and Mandy Mackenzie are prosecuting the case.
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Fairbanks man charged with trafficking firearms, cocaine, and with possessing a machinegun during a drug trafficking crimeRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment last week charging a Fairbanks man with illegally trafficking firearms, distributing cocaine, and with carrying a machinegun during a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of AlaskaAccording to court documents, from September 2024 to August 2025, Mason Lanon, 22, willfully engaged in the business of dealing firearms while not being a licensed firearms dealer.
The indictment also alleges that on Aug. 7, 2025, Lanon distributed cocaine and possessed a pistol with a Glock-type machinegun conversion device in furtherance of trafficking the cocaine.
Lanon is charged with one count of unlicensed dealing in firearms, one count of distribution of a controlled substance and one count of carrying a machinegun during a drug trafficking crime. Lanon is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Nov. 25, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Oravec of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces 30 years to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska, Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division, Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes and Chief Ron Dupee of the Fairbanks Police Department made the announcement.
The ATF Anchorage Field Office, Alaska State Troopers and Fairbanks Police Department are investigating the case, with assistance from the DEA Anchorage Field Office. If anyone has any information regarding Lanon’s alleged firearms dealing, please contact the ATF at (907) 921-6131.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Anchorage Doctor and Husband Plead Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Health Care, Tax Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage doctor and her husband pleaded guilty today to executing a $12.5 million health care fraud scheme and evading over $4 million in taxes on the profits of their decades-long scheme.
According to court documents, Dr. Claribel Tan, 61, and her husband, Daniel Tan, 70, operated a rheumatology medical clinic in Anchorage. Dr. Tan specialized in the treatment of autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, and prescribed injectable medications to treat those conditions. Mr. Tan performed office and management work for the clinic. As part of their scheme, the Tans deceived their patients about the medications Dr. Tan administered by injection in the office, and fraudulently billed health insurance plans for reimbursement of medications that the Tans did not purchase.
Beginning in 2009, Dr. Tan routinely and surreptitiously underdosed patients, injected them with free samples or a different medication than prescribed, injected them with expired medication, and/or injected them with medications purchased by other patients. The Tans then knowingly billed insurance plans as if Dr. Tan had provided each patient a full and proper injection. Specifically, the Tans claimed to have administered 4,829 units of the medications to patients, and billed the insurance plans for that amount, despite only purchasing 369 units of medication.
Mr. Tan helped execute the scheme in part by creating and submitting fraudulent insurance claims and ordering insufficient medication for the clinic. The Tans also made false statements about the length of Dr. Tan’s office visits with her patients and submitted fraudulent claims to insurance plans for services that Dr. Tan never provided. The Tans’ fraud scheme created significant health risks to the patients and caused a loss of approximately $12,522,446 to more than 10 insurance plans.
The Tans also created false tax records to conceal the health care fraud scheme. The Tans knew that the clinic had not purchased the quantity of medications that they billed insurance plans for, and they fraudulently overstated the clinic’s expenses on the clinic’s tax returns for 2014, 2015, and 2017, allowing them to falsely underreport the clinic’s income. From 2018 to 2021, the Tans willfully failed to file tax returns for the clinic. The Tans’ tax fraud scheme caused a loss of approximately $4,249,509 to the IRS.
In 2024 and 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office seized approximately $10,471,106 in health care fraud proceeds from the Tans. As part of their plea agreements, the Tans agreed to forfeit those funds to the U.S. and agreed to pay an additional $6,300,849 towards their expected restitution judgment. The Tans further agreed to pay the U.S. an additional $1,855,144 to settle civil claims under the False Claims Act arising from the health care fraud scheme. Dr. Tan has also surrendered her medical license.
Dr. Tan and Mr. Tan will be sentenced on a later date. They each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for health care fraud and five years in prison for tax fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
More information about the case is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ak/united-states-v-tan-et-al. Victims may provide the court with a written Victim Impact Statement or may also provide a statement in person at sentencing. For more information, please contact [email protected] one week prior to sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge John Helsing, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Western Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke of the IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office made the announcement.
DCIS Western Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Division, FBI Anchorage Field Office, Defense Contract Audit Agency, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Criminal Investigations Division, Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and State of Alaska Division of Insurance Investigation Unit investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Dominick Giovanniello of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Beausang and William Reed of the District of Alaska are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackie Traini of the District of Alaska led the civil fraud investigation.
UPDATE: This release has been edited to correct the email listed for USAAK Victim Witness.
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Anchorage woman guilty of drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal jury convicted an Anchorage woman yesterday for her role in a local drug trafficking conspiracy to traffic cocaine, cocaine base, methamphetamine, and heroin.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Erica Elisoff, 51, and her boyfriend and co-defendant, Larry Kennedy, 65, were selling drugs out of adjacent apartments that they jointly occupied, as well as from Kennedy’s auto repair shop.
Between August and December 2021, law enforcement officials arranged multiple controlled purchases of cocaine base, aka crack cocaine, from both Kennedy and Elisoff. On three separate occasions in August, law enforcement purchased roughly seven grams of cocaine base from Kennedy, respectively. On one occasion in December, law enforcement executed a controlled purchase from Elisoff for 21 grams of cocaine base.
In May 2022, law enforcement officials executed search warrants at the apartments Elisoff and Kennedy shared. In one apartment, law enforcement discovered over $123,100 in cash, five heat sealed plastic bags containing over three kilograms of cocaine, over 745 grams of heroin, multiple scales, drug packaging materials, and other assorted drug paraphernalia. In the other apartment, law enforcement discovered over 20 grams of methamphetamine, over 15 grams of heroin, over $4,000 in cash, two scales, and other assorted drug paraphernalia.
Elisoff was convicted of one count of distribution of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. She faces between five years to life in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for March 4, 2026. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
On March 31, 2025, Kennedy pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. On Sept. 29, 2025, Kennedy was sentenced to five years in prison and upon release, will serve three years on supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska has been recused from this case with the exception of certain personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York has been appointed as Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General to assist with this and other recused cases. He reports to and acts under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General, or his delegee, or U.S. Attorney Bradford in these cases. Special Attorney Clymer supervises personnel from the District of Alaska who have been exempted from the recusal.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department investigated the case as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the DEA Anchorage District Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephan Collins and Alana Weber are prosecuting the case.
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Shaktoolik man sentenced to 30 years for cyberstalking, sexually exploiting multiple victimsRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A Shaktoolik man was sentenced last week to 30 years in prison followed by 30 years on supervised release for sexually exploiting three children to produce child pornography, and for cyberstalking the children and one adult victim.
According to court documents, between December 2021 and July 2023, Matthew Jackson, 23, engaged in a pattern of sexual abuse and exploitation with multiple female victims, three of whom were minors.
Jackson used a cell phone to send messages to the three minor victims asking them to create pictures and videos depicting sexually explicit conduct. Jackson used the threat of disclosing those images to coerce sexual contact with the minors. Jackson filmed the sexual encounters without consent and provided marijuana and alcohol in exchange for sex.
During the same period, Jackson employed the same or similar conduct with an adult victim. Jackson requested sexually explicit images, then engaged in a course of harassing conduct with the adult victim by threatening to disclose the images. Jackson stated he could make money from the images and threatened to sell them if the adult victim refused Jackson’s demand for sexual intercourse. Jackson successfully coerced the adult victim to engage in sexual intercourse without consent and laughed while his victim expressed suicidal ideation.
Arguments in court explained that Jackson used similar conduct to affect at least three additional adults.
“Jackson has a history of violent assaults and engaged in despicable conduct against multiple vulnerable victims,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman. “His life of terrorizing Alaskans stops now. Thanks to the incredible strength of the victims and efforts by law enforcement, Jackson will spend the next three decades in prison followed by decades under Court supervision.”
"Through manipulation and coercion, Jackson callously terrorized and sexually exploited both minors and adults in Alaska,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Let this serve as a message to anyone who commits crimes against children in Alaska: the FBI and our partners will relentlessly pursue and hold predators accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman of the District of Alaska and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Preventing victims of flooding caused by Typhoon Halong from becoming the victims of fraudRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – About one week ago, many of our fellow Alaskans witnessed devastation at a level that many of us will never experience. Flooding caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong hit our western coastline causing at least one known death, destroying residences, and leaving more than 1,500 victims with no place to stay, food to eat, or clean water to drink. While rescue operations have been ongoing at a feverish pace and likely saved many lives, Alaskans affected by this disaster are in a situation where they can see no hope for a return to their normal lives on the horizon. Sadly, it is at this precise time when fraudsters located across the globe seek to satisfy their own heartless greed by depriving victims of assistance that they may receive either through government channels and/or charitable contributions.
As a warning to fraudsters thinking of targeting our flood victims, such people should know that Title 18 United States Code, Section 1040, punishes those who commit fraud in connection with major disaster and emergency benefits with up to 30 years in federal prison and that we will aggressively investigate and prosecute such criminal conduct.
The National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”), a national coordinating agency, was created by a partnership between the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and various law enforcement and regulatory agencies. Its goal is to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for the victims of such fraud.
Experience has shown that criminals exploit disasters for their own selfish gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating deceiving websites designed to solicit contributions. These fraudsters will engage in phishing, which involves deceiving individuals to provide their personal identifiers, credit card numbers, and bank account information. They will also engage in spoofing, which involves disguising their own phone numbers and websites to appear as being from known and trusted entities such as federal relief agencies and non-profit organizations to fraudulently obtain funds.
I unfortunately expect that criminals will target flood victims and individuals wanting to make charitable contributions to those victims. The following examples of disaster-related fraud are based on over 300,000 complaints submitted to the NCDF, and are provided to help victims avoid being victimized twice -- by the storm and then by criminals:
- Fake charities immediately soliciting donations using the names of well-known charities or appearing reasonable as related to a disaster (to include email, website, and caller ID spoofing)
- Individuals impersonating government officials, non-profit organization representatives, and insurance company representatives advising that disaster assistance will be made available should the potential victim provide a sum of money or personal identifiers such as date of birth, social security number, and bank account information (name of financial institution, routing number, and account number)
- Individuals soliciting victims to invest in non-existent businesses and ventures offering recovery efforts such as cleanup, rebuilding, and making structures (homes) more resistant to future disasters, for example, elevating structures to minimize future flood risks)
- Individuals overcharging for goods and services needed by victims of disaster, also known as price-gouging
- Theft of property from businesses and residences abandoned because of a disaster (either evacuation pre-disaster or to obtain living accommodations because of damaged apartments and homes)
Recommended Measures to Avoid Becoming a Victim:
- Only make donations to known charities and only after contacting the charity directly and not in response to an email, instant message, phone call, text, etc. A recommended step is to research the charity by visiting recognized charity information/rating websites such as the www.Give.org, CharityNavigator.org, and CharityWatch.org
- Never click on a link in an unsolicited email, instant message, text, etc.
- Never assume that charity solicitations posted on the internet and social media are legitimate
- Avoid cash donations to charities - use a credit card or pay with a check. Never transmit donations to a named individual
- Charities do not seek donations via electronic fund (financial institution)/wire transfers, so do not wire donations
- Avoid being victimized by impersonators of government officials, insurance companies, investment companies, etc., by terminating the phone call or other exchange of information (e.g., email, texts) and calling the actual government agency, insurance company, and/or investment company directly using a well-advertised phone number or email address
Individuals who have been targeted by fraudsters, been the victim of disaster-related fraud, or suspect that someone is engaging in disaster fraud are encouraged to contact law enforcement at any of the following: (1) the NCDF at (866) 720-572 or online at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm; or (2) the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI; tips.fbi.gov; or ic3.gov, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for internet-based fraud.
Michael J. Heyman
United States Attorney
District of Alaska
Wasilla man pleads guilty to distributing carfentanil resulting in the death of a 16-year-old girlRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Wasilla man pleaded guilty today to distributing carfentanil to two people, resulting in the near fatal overdose of an adult victim and the fatal overdose of a minor victim. The defendant also pleaded guilty today to a felon in possession of firearms charge filed through a separate federal indictment in July.
According to court documents, on Nov. 14, 2024, Sean Mobley, 45, agreed to supply an individual with .25 grams of fentanyl powder to distribute to another person. Mobley gave the individual a powdered substance that he believed was fentanyl but was, in fact, carfentanil. Carfentanil is an opioid used by veterinarians and is 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
Mobley and the individual drove to a residence in Wasilla. The individual entered the residence and sold the substance to an adult victim for $100. The individual returned to the vehicle and gave Mobley the money from the sale. Shortly after the sale, the adult victim used the substance and overdosed, causing serious bodily injury.
After distributing the substance to the adult victim, Mobley drove to a local gas station and dropped the individual off and picked up a 16-year-old victim. Mobley took the minor victim to an isolated location intending to use drugs together. Mobley gave some of the substance he believed was fentanyl powder to the minor victim. The minor victim used the substance and immediately overdosed and lost consciousness. Believing the minor victim was dead, Mobley dumped her body in a remote area and fled.
On Jan. 28, 2025, Mobley possessed a shotgun inside a vehicle he was operating. Mobley has three prior felony convictions from 2002 and 2003, making him a felon in possession of a firearm.
On June 10, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Mobley with distribution resulting in death and serious bodily injury. On July 17, a federal grand jury returned a separate indictment charging Mobley with being a felon in possession of a firearm and being an unlawful drug user and addict in possession of a firearm.
Mobley is scheduled to be sentenced on January 22, 2026 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison but up to life in prison for the distribution resulting in death and serious bodily injury charge, and up to 15 years in prison for the felon in possession of a firearm charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge David F. Reames of the DEA Seattle Field Division and Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes made the announcement.
The DEA Anchorage District Office and the Alaska State Troopers investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Bradley and Alana Weber are prosecuting the case, with assistance and collaboration from the State of Alaska Department of Law, Office of Special Prosecutions.
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Pennsylvania man charged with attempting to defraud the 2022 PFDRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Pennsylvania man was criminally charged by information today with seven counts of wire fraud connected to a 2022 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) fraud scheme.
According to court documents, beginning in January 2022 and continuing through February 2022, Adepoju Babatunde Salako, 33, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, allegedly devised a scheme to defraud the Alaska Department of Revenue (DOR) PFD program. Specifically, Salako fraudulently obtained the personal identifying information (PII) for legitimate Alaskan residents and submitted seven separate applications to the Alaska DOR to obtain their PFD funds. Salako was never an Alaskan resident and has never traveled to Alaska.
Court documents detail that Salako allegedly created new email accounts that he controlled for each legitimate Alaska resident whose PII he fraudulently obtained. Using the PII, Salako allegedly gained control of at least seven already established “myAlaska” online accounts—the platform Alaska residents use to apply for the PFD. Once inside the accounts, Salako allegedly changed the account information to route communications from “myAlaska” directly to the email accounts he controlled for each individual. Salako also allegedly changed each applicant’s bank information to route the PFD payments to bank accounts he controlled.
Court documents further allege that Salako tried to shield his identity and location by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to appear as though six of the seven application submissions were submitted from an Internet Protocol (IP) address in Alaska. The other application was submitted using an IP address in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Records from Salako’s personal email account showed logins from the same Philadelphia IP address.
The State of Alaska determined the applications to be fraudulent and denied the applications.
Salako faces up to 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine for each count of wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Acting Commissioner Janelle Earls of the Alaska Department of Revenue made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and State of Alaska Department of Revenue, Criminal Investigations Unit investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ainsley McNerney is prosecuting the case.
If you suspect you've been a victim of PFD fraud, contact the Alaska Department of Revenue, Criminal Investigations Unit. Online Fraud Tips can be filed at https://pfd.alaska.gov/fraud-tip-form. You can also contact the Fraud Hotline: (907) 500-0360.
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Chinese national charged in international drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Chinese national illegally residing in the U.S. was charged by criminal complaint yesterday with participating in an international drug trafficking conspiracy that used a virtual mailbox service (VMS), including one in Wasilla, Alaska, to traffic large quantities of methamphetamine from Mexico into the U.S. and then to other countries, specifically New Zealand.
According to court documents, Zukai He, 42, entered the U.S. illegally in 2017 and was subject to an order of removal from September 2024. Court documents further allege that, while illegally living in the U.S., Zukai He allegedly stole personally identifiable information from a California resident to open an account at the Wasilla VMS. In January 2024, law enforcement officials obtained two parcels sent to the fraudulent VMS account that were ultimately destined for New Zealand and obtained federal search warrants to search the packages. Law enforcement officials found close to three kilograms of methamphetamine in the parcels. One parcel had drugs concealed inside a heat transfer stamping machine and the other had drugs concealed inside a 3D printer.
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Alaska U.S. Attorney's Office, District of AlaskaIn May 2024, law enforcement officials further learned that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) seized four parcels mailed from post offices in Phoenix, Arizona, that were destined for New Zealand. Each parcel contained over one kilogram of methamphetamine. Law enforcement officials identified a fifth similar parcel mailed from Arizona destined for New Zealand. CBP intercepted the parcel and discovered over one kilogram of methamphetamine.
Law enforcement officials identified Zukai He as the individual allegedly mailing the parcels containing drugs. In total, law enforcement seized over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine that Zukai He allegedly tried to traffic through the mail.
On Sept. 8, 2025, law enforcement officials executed a federal search warrant on Zukai He’s residence in California. Federal authorities arrested Zukai He and seized 14 cell phones, two laptops, 25 point-of-sale systems, over six kilograms of a substance consistent with methamphetamine, over $13,000 in cash and various financial documents. The financial documents included information for nine suspected shell or front businesses registered in California, Colorado, Maryland and New York. The businesses were in either Zukai He’s name or under names of victims whose identities were allegedly stolen.
Zukai He is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Zukai He is in federal custody and will make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska, Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Seattle Division Office and Special Agent in Charge David Reames of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Field Division made the announcement.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile and the DEA Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office are investigating the case with assistance from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephan Collins and Alana Weber are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Violent felon sentenced to 10 years for possessing firearms, body armor following parole violationRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A Fairbanks man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison, and upon release, will serve three years on supervised release for possessing multiple firearms and body armor as a felon.
According to court documents, on June 4, 2024, an arrest warrant for a parole violation was issued for George Romero, 37. Romero was on parole for a 2006 felony State conviction for murder, assault and robbery.
On June 6, 2024, law enforcement officials located Romero at a residence in Fairbanks and observed Romero walking around the residence and loading camping gear into a vehicle. The vehicle departed the residence with Romero and drove to a nearby intersection, where Romero began unloading the camping gear. Romero was wearing a camouflage poncho, had multiple bags and began to carry the supplies toward the tree line.
Law enforcement officers deployed to apprehend Romero. SWAT officers called out verbal instructions and Romero complied with most orders before he was arrested. Law enforcement searched his person and found body armor, multiple firearms, handgun magazines and loose ammunition. They also found another pistol in the bag he was carrying.
On Nov. 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Alaska indicted Romero for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for being a violent felon in possession of body armor. On April 4, 2025, a jury convicted Romero on all charges. In handing down the sentence, the Court emphasized the need to protect the community from Romero’s actions.
“Mr. Romero is a violent felon who repeatedly disregards the law and remains a serious threat to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Fortunately, the recent interaction with law enforcement did not escalate, and this sentence ensures the community will be safeguarded from the defendant for another decade. This sentence reflects the gravity of his crime and sends a strong message that those who illegally possess firearms and related supplies—especially individuals with violent histories—will face severe federal penalties.”
“George Romero has consistently demonstrated defiance to authority and a lack of respect for the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Romero, a convicted felon, armed himself with multiple firearms, ammunition and body armor and fled to avoid arrest for a parole violation. FBI Anchorage will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to keep our communities safe.”
“George Romero has a long and violent history, and his decision to arm himself with multiple firearms and body armor while on parole showed once again the threat he posed to Alaskans,” said Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes. “This sentence ensures that he will no longer endanger our state. The Alaska State Troopers remain committed to working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable and ensure public safety across our great state.”
The Alaska State Troopers, Fairbanks Area Narcotics Team (FANT), FBI Anchorage Field Office, Fairbanks Resident Agency and ATF Anchorage Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek and Trial Attorneys from the Antitrust Division, David Bernhardt and Lauren Weed prosecuted the case.
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Sitka Woman Sentenced to 15 Years for Role in Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Karly Fuller, 31, of Sitka, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison and, upon release, will serve three years on supervised release for her leading role in the southeast arm of an Alaska drug trafficking ring.
According to court documents, Fuller met a co-conspirator while incarcerated at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center in 2022. That co-conspirator allegedly recruited Fuller to distribute drugs upon her release from incarceration for a drug trafficking organization directed by an inmate in a California prison.
Fuller returned to Sitka in July 2022 and recruited at least five other individuals to work for the drug trafficking enterprise and distribute drugs in Southeast Alaska. One of those individuals was co-defendant Stormy Cleveland, 39, of Ketchikan. Cleveland distributed drugs on behalf of Fuller and at Fuller’s direction. Between November and December 2022, federal agents intercepted three drug parcels shipped by members of the drug enterprise to Cleveland in Sitka. Those parcels contained over 15,500 illicit fentanyl pills.
Fuller’s role also included laundering money for the drug enterprise. Between April 25, 2023, and July 15, 2023, Fuller participated in at least 95 monetary transactions totaling over $99,500.
Co-defendants in this case are as follows:
- Larry Marsden, 43, of Ketchikan, pleaded guilty on December 9, 2024, to a conspiracy to distribute and to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and a money laundering conspiracy. On March 12, 2025, Marsden was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment and will serve three years on supervised release after his release from prison.
- Cleveland pleaded guilty on November 15, 2024, to a conspiracy to distribute and to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and a money laundering conspiracy. On March 25, 2025, Cleveland was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment and will serve five years on supervised release after her release from prison.
- Mario Klanott, 38, of Sitka, pleaded guilty on June 13, 2025, to a conspiracy to distribute and to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Klanott faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Douglas Vanmeter, 44, of Sitka, pleaded guilty on May 8, 2025, to a conspiracy to distribute and to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. On September 3, 2025, Vanmeter was sentenced to 40 months’ of imprisonment and will serve three years on supervised release after her release from prison.
- Sara Orr, 34, of Ketchikan, pleaded guilty on June 6, 2025, to a conspiracy to distribute and to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Orr is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Patricia Seal-Uttke, 32, of Ketchikan, pleaded guilty on June 25, 2025, to a conspiracy to distribute and to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and a money laundering conspiracy. Seal-Uttke is scheduled to be sentenced on October 29, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Julia Brusell, 43, of Ketchikan, pleaded guilty on November 15, 2024, to a money laundering conspiracy. On March 17, 2025, Brusell was sentenced to time served and will serve two years on supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska has been recused from this case with the exception of certain personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York has been appointed as Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General to assist with this and other recused cases. He reports to and acts under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General, or his delegee, or U.S. Attorney Bradford in these cases. Special Attorney Clymer supervises personnel from the District of Alaska who have been exempted from the recusal.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Seattle Division and Anchorage Domicile, Federal Bureau Investigation Anchorage Field Office and Alaska State Troopers, with significant law enforcement support from the U.S. Marshals Service, are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alana Weber, Stephan Collins, and Chris Schroeder prosecuted the case.
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Anchorage man, Indian national charged in nine-year fraud, money laundering schemeRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment last week charging an Anchorage man and an Indian national with conspiring together in a $4.5 million fraud scheme that lasted roughly nine years and impacted at least 28 victims across the U.S. and abroad.
According to court documents, Michael Edward Gregg, 62, of Anchorage, and Vikash Pandey, 36, a foreign national residing in India, and other co-conspirators conducted the alleged scheme by pretending to be employees of different tech support or security businesses to contact primarily elderly and vulnerable individuals. As part of the alleged scheme, co-conspirators contacted victims via email or pop-up messages online indicating a service issue with their computer’s virus protection. Co-conspirators then offered refunds to the customers for disputed charges, typically totaling $400-$500. Then, they falsely stated that they accidentally refunded too much, roughly $40,000-$50,000, and urgently needed that money back.
Co-conspirators typically instructed victims to return the funds by check, wire, cash or Bitcoin. Gregg and another co-conspirator created multiple bank accounts and provided those account numbers to the other co-conspirators to receive fraudulent funds. It is alleged that co-conspirators would often claim the funds did not come through or fabricate a reason why the victims should send more money.
On one occasion in spring 2024, an elderly victim received an email from an antivirus software company indicating she was charged $499.99. The victim contacted a number she believed to be associated with the company and was instructed by a member of the conspiracy to submit an online form for reimbursement. The victim was told she was reimbursed $50,000, when in fact the victim received nothing. Over roughly five months, the victim was repeatedly instructed to send money. The victim sent money via bitcoin ATM, in person delivery of U.S. currency, and mailed cashier’s checks to Gregg. These money transfers totaled over $2 million.
Once Gregg and the other co-conspirators received funds into U.S. bank accounts, Gregg would receive a commission or percentage of the money, often 3-20%, before moving the remaining proceeds to individuals in foreign countries, including, but not limited to, India, Hong Kong and Singapore. Pandey was one of his international contacts allegedly involved in the international money laundering scheme.
Throughout this scheme, financial institutions flagged Gregg’s accounts, or accounts he had control over, and either closed the accounts or restricted their activity. Gregg controlled over two dozen bank accounts allegedly used in the conspiracy.
Gregg and Pandey are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy and one count of international money laundering conspiracy. Gregg is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Sept. 9, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. Pandey remains at large in India. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison, or a fine of $500,000 or up to twice the value of the laundered money. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke of the IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office made the announcement.
The IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office is investigating the case, with support from the FBI Anchorage Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson is prosecuting the case.
Fraud schemes have become increasingly sophisticated. Take extra steps to protect your personal and financial information. Do not respond or click links in text messages, emails or social media posts that appear suspicious or are unsolicited. If you or someone you know may be the victim of financial fraud, please contact your local law enforcement or [email protected].
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Fairbanks man indicted for distributing fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdoseRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment last week charging a Fairbanks man with distributing fentanyl that resulted in a fatal overdose in March 2025.
According to court documents, on March 3, 2025, Jacob Peter, 25, allegedly distributed fentanyl to another person in Fairbanks. On March 4, 2025, the victim died of an apparent overdose.
Peter is charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. The defendant made his initial court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott A. Oravec of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison and up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge David Reames of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Division Office made the announcement.
The DEA Seattle Division Office and Anchorage District Office is investigating the case, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers, as part of the Fairbanks Area Narcotics Team (FANT) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two Anchorage residents arrested, charged with maintaining a drug-involved premise at a local hotelRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man and woman were arrested on Friday after a federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging them with conspiring to maintain a drug-involved premise at the Chelsea Inn Hotel (CIH) in Anchorage.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case made the announcement alongside Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal John Olson during a press conference at the James M. Fitzgerald U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building.
According to court documents, beginning in October 2020, Kyoung Seo, 62, an owner of the CIH, and Chantel Fields, 36, allegedly conspired together and with others to maintain the hotel for the purpose of distributing and using controlled substances.
Court documents allege that the FBI and Anchorage Police Department (APD) began investigating allegations of drug trafficking, involving persons living at, working at and frequenting the hotel. It is alleged that Fields used the hotel to store and distribute drugs, directed people looking to buy drugs to their dealers living on the premise and controlled who was allowed to visit the hotel. Fields and Seo allegedly enforced a $20 “door fee” for people visiting the hotel.
Since 2020, law enforcement conducted multiple enforcement and investigatory actions at the CIH, including a February 2025 search warrant execution that resulted in the seizure of nine firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and over 1.2 kilograms of suspected controlled substances.
The investigation revealed many instances of alleged violent crime or drug related activity occurring at the hotel in the past five years. APD records show over 1,000 emergency calls for service to the CIH since 2020. Many of those calls were requests to respond to violent crime, domestic disputes and drug crimes, including homicides and fatal and non-fatal overdoses.
On Friday, Aug. 22, law enforcement executed related search warrants on three locations—the CIH and two residences. During the search of the three locations, law enforcement discovered and seized 11 firearms, including two behind the front desk, thousands of rounds of ammunition, substantial quantities of suspected controlled substances and approximately $45,000.
The FBI also executed a seizure warrant for the CIH property on Friday. The U.S. Marshals Service took custody of the building, effectively ceasing the alleged drug trafficking at the hotel.
Seo and Fields are charged with one count of conspiracy to maintain a drug-involved premises. The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearances on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department are investigating this case as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the IRS Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, APD High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Unit, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Alaska State Troopers.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody Tirpak and Seth Beausang are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Oregon man charged with administering “Rapper Bot” DDoS-for-hire BotnetRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Oregon man was charged by a federal criminal complaint today in the District of Alaska on charges related to his alleged development and administration of the “Rapper Bot” DDoS-for-hire Botnet that has conducted large-scale cyber-attacks since at least 2021.
According to court documents, investigators identified Ethan Foltz, 22, of Eugene, Oregon, as the alleged administrator of Rapper Bot.
Rapper Bot, aka “Eleven Eleven Botnet” and “CowBot,” is a Botnet that primarily compromises devices like Digital Video Recorders (DVRS) or WiFi routers at scale by infecting those devices with specialized malware. Clients of Rapper Bot then issue commands to those infected victim devices, forcing them to send large volumes of “Distributed Denial of Service” (DDoS) traffic to different victim computers and servers located throughout the world.
According to court documents, Foltz and his co-conspirators allegedly monetized Rapper Bot by providing select paying customers with access to one of the most sophisticated and powerful DDoS-for-hire Botnets currently in existence. It is alleged that Rapper Bot targeted victims in over 80 countries, including a U.S. government network, a popular social media platform and many U.S. tech companies. The criminal complaint details that partner data shows from April 2025 to present, Rapper Bot allegedly conducted over 370,000 attacks, targeting 18,000 unique victims.
The criminal complaint explains that Rapper Bot was allegedly utilizing roughly 65,000 to 95,000 infected victim devices to regularly conduct DDoS attacks that commonly measured between two to three Terabits per second. It is alleged that Rapper Bot’s largest attack may have exceeded six Terabits per second. Investigators believe that at least five infected victim devices are in Alaska and were forced to participate in attacks.
Court documents explain that DDoS attacks have grown more powerful and impact victims financially through lost revenue, disgruntled customers, resources used to respond to attacks and bandwidth usage costs. The criminal complaint details that a DDoS attack averaging over two Terabits per second lasting 30 seconds might cost a victim anywhere from $500 to $10,000. It is also alleged that some Rapper Bot customers used extortion demands, leveraging the DDoS attack volumes of the Botnet to extort victims.
On Aug.6, 2025, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on Foltz’ residence in Oregon. Law enforcement personnel effected the termination of Rapper Bot’s attack capabilities and obtained administrative control of Rapper Bot. Private sector partners have not reported any Rapper Bot attacks since the transfer of Botnet control to the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).
“Rapper Bot was one of the most powerful DDoS botnets to ever exist, but the outstanding investigatory work by DCIS cyber agents and support of my office and industry partners has put an end to Foltz’s time as administrator and effectively disrupted the activities of this transnational criminal group,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Our office remains committed to disrupting and dismantling cyber criminals that threaten internet security and infrastructure in the District of Alaska and across the United States.”
“Today’s announcement highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt and dismantle emerging cyber threats targeting the Department of Defense and the defense industrial base,” said Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, DCIS, Cyber Field Office. “The Rapper Bot malware was a clear threat, and the focused efforts of DCIS, our industry partners, and the federal prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska, sends a clear signal to those who would harm the DoD’s personnel, infrastructure, and intellectual property, that their actions will come at a cost.”
Foltz is charged with one count of aiding and abetting computer intrusions. If convicted, Foltz faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The DCIS is investigating the case.
Assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, Akamai, Amazon Web Services, Cloudflare, Digital Ocean, Flashpoint, Google, PayPal, and Unit 221B. This law enforcement action was taken in conjunction with Operation PowerOFF, an ongoing, coordinated effort among international law enforcement agencies aimed at dismantling criminal DDoS-for-hire infrastructures worldwide.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Defendant in Anchorage drug trafficking conspiracy pleads guiltyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man pleaded guilty last week to conspiring with others to traffic fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin in Alaska on behalf of a drug trafficking organization allegedly run by a California inmate.
According to court documents, on March 23, 2023, Richard Frye, 36, and co-conspirator Tiffani Couch, 31, drove their other co-conspirator Anna Petla, 25, to the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and dropped her off for departure. Petla entered the airport and attempted to board a flight to Sand Point. Law enforcement officials contacted her inside the airport, searched the backpack she was carrying and discovered nearly 3,000 blue fentanyl pills. Petla also possessed over 80 grams of methamphetamine.
Law enforcement officials subsequently contacted Frye and Couch as they waited in their vehicle outside the departure area and detained both. Officers searched the vehicle and found over 500 blue fentanyl pills and over 40 grams of other controlled substances.
On June 9, 2023, law enforcement officials contacted Frye and Couch during a traffic stop in Anchorage. Officers searched the vehicle and recovered roughly 1,400 blue fentanyl pills, over 12 grams of other controlled substances and two loaded ammunition magazines. Frye possessed the controlled substances that police seized in March and June 2023 with the intent to distribute them to people in Alaska on behalf of the drug trafficking organization.
Law enforcement officials arrested Frye and Couch following the traffic stop on June 9. When Frye was booked into custody at the Anchorage Correctional Complex, staff found a suspicious mass in Frye’s stomach during a body scan. It was later determined that before his arrest, Frye ingested fentanyl and suboxone wrapped in cellophane and condoms with the intent to distribute these substances inside the correctional facility.
Frye posted bail and was released but was ordered detained again following a bail hearing in state court on June 23, 2023. On June 25, 2023, correctional officers discovered Frye attempted to body carry roughly 70 suboxone strips into the detention facility with the intent to distribute them inside the facility.
Court documents also explain that between December 2022 and March 2023, Frye used a digital money transferring service to send 34 transfers totaling over $8,800 to a co-conspirator’s account. During the same time frame, Frye received nine transfers totaling over $1,000 from the same co-conspirator. Frye is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 13, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Co-defendants in this case are as follows:
- Couch, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty on May 9, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Couch is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 22, 2026.
- Petla, of Dillingham, pleaded guilty on June 4, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Petla is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 16, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon made the announcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska has been recused from this case with the exception of certain personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York has been appointed as Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General to assist with this and other recused cases. He reports to and acts under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General, or his delegee, or U.S. Attorney Bradford in these cases. Special Attorney Clymer supervises personnel from the District of Alaska who have been exempted from the recusal.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Division Office and Anchorage District Office, FBI Anchorage Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Seattle Division and Anchorage Domicile, Homeland Security Investigations Anchorage, Alaska Office, Alaska State Troopers and Anchorage Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephan Collins, Chris Schroeder and Alana Weber are prosecuting the case.
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26 Fugitives Wanted for Violent and Serious Crimes Returned to the United States from Mexico Including Leaders of Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Alien Smuggling OrganizationRead the Press Release
The United States announced today that it has taken into custody 26 fugitives from Mexico facing a range of federal and state criminal charges from around the country, including charges relating to drug-trafficking, hostage-taking, kidnapping, illegal use of firearms, human smuggling, money laundering, the murder of a sheriffs’ deputy, and other crimes. Among the fugitives taken into U.S. custody today are leaders and managers of dangerous drug cartels, such as those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, including the Sinaloa Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), and Cártel del Noreste (formerly Los Zetas). These fugitives are collectively alleged to have imported into the United States tonnage quantities of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin.
“Today is the latest example of the Trump administration's historic efforts to dismantle cartels and foreign terrorist organizations,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “These 26 men have all played a role in bringing violence and drugs to American shores -- under this Department of Justice, they will face severe consequences for their crimes against this country. We are grateful to Mexico’s National Security team for their collaboration in this matter.”
Included in today’s transfer are the following fugitives:
- Abigael Gonzalez Valencia also known as “Cuini” – is one of the leaders of Los Cuinis, a major Mexican drug cartel responsible for trafficking multiple tons of cocaine from South America, through Mexico, into the United States.
- Kevin Gil Acosta and Martin Zazueta Perez – According to court documents, Gil Acosta and Zazueta Perez are leaders of the security apparatus for the Chapitos, a powerful faction of the Sinaloa Cartel that engages in prolific fentanyl trafficking. Both men have led sicarios armed with military-style weapons – such as AK-47s, M-16s, AR-15s, and grenade launchers – in attacks on Mexican government and military officials. Gil Acosta leads sicarios tasked with protecting fentanyl labs and distribution routes while Zazueta Perez provides personal security for a leader of the Chapitos.
- Abdul Karim Conteh, a national of Sierra Leone, allegedly led a human smuggling organization that smuggled thousands of migrants to the United States through Mexico. These smuggled migrants originated from countries around the world, including Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Somalia, Cameroon, Senegal, Mauritania, Ethiopia, Egypt, and others. The migrants paid smuggling fees, often tens of thousands of dollars. Conteh allegedly oversaw the migrants’ unlawful entry into the United States by various surreptitious and unlawful means, including the use of ladders and tunnels.
- Leobardo Garcia Corrales is believed to be an important figure in the Sinaloa Cartel who has trafficked kilogram quantities of fentanyl into the United States, sometimes in exchange for military-grade weapons such as AK-47s, grenades, and submachine guns. He claims to be close friends and associates with Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera, aka “El Chapo.”
- Luis Raul Castro Valenzuela also known as “Chacho,” a member of the Sinaloa Cartel, has been charged with kidnapping and holding hostage a U.S. citizen.
- Juan Carlos Felix Gastelum also known as “El Chavo Félix,” a major Sinaloa Cartel cell leader and son-in-law to former Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, is alleged to be a principal operator of the Sinaloa Cartel’s clandestine methamphetamine manufacturing laboratories located in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Sinaloa and Durango, Mexico involved in the manufacturing and distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico into the United States.
- Roberto Salazar is wanted in connection with the murder of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Juan Escalante, who was killed in 2008 when he was leaving his home during the early morning hours.
- Pablo Edwin Huerta Nuno, also known as “Flaquito,” is a violent Tijuana Plaza boss who has operated with impunity during the last 15 years. Huerta-Nuno is alleged to have supplied thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to distributors and cells located throughout San Diego and Los Angeles. And in return, millions of dollars in narcotics proceeds were delivered to him and his organization via shipments of bulk cash from San Diego into Tijuana.
Below is a complete list of fugitives, as well as the districts in which they are charged and will appear in federal court in the coming days:
FugitiveArraignment JurisdictionStatutory MaximumEnrique Arballo TalamantesDistrict of New MexicoUp to life imprisonmentBenito Barrios MaldonadoDistrict of ArizonaUp to life imprisonmentLuis Raul Castro ValenzuelaDistrict of DelawareUp to life imprisonmentFrancisco ChavezDistrict of ColoradoUp to life imprisonmentAbdul Karim ContehSouthern District of California45 years’ imprisonmentBaldomero Fernandez BeltranDistrict of ArizonaUp to life imprisonmentIsmael Enrique Fernandez VazquezEastern District of TexasUp to life imprisonmentLeobardo Garcia CorralesSouthern District of New YorkUp to life imprisonmentAbigael Gonzalez ValenciaDistrict of ColumbiaUp to life imprisonmentJose Carlos Guzman BernalDistrict of AlaskaUp to life imprisonmentAnton Petrov KulkinDistrict of MassachusettsUp to life imprisonmentRoberto Omar LopezNorthern District of GeorgiaUp to life imprisonmentJose Francisco Mendoza GomezEastern District of VirginiaUp to life imprisonmentHernan Domingo Ojeda LopezDistrict of ColumbiaUp to life imprisonment
Daniel Perez RojasDistrict of ColumbiaUp to life imprisonmentJuan Carlos Sanchez GaytanSouthern District of TexasUp to life imprisonmentDavid Fernando Vasquez BejaranoEastern District of VirginiaUp to life imprisonmentJose Antonio Vivanco HernandezNorthern District of IllinoisUp to life imprisonmentMauro Alberto Nunez OjedaDistrict of ColumbiaUp to life imprisonmentJuan Carlos Felix GastelumSouthern District of CaliforniaUp to life imprisonmentJesus Guzman CastroEastern District of New York and District of South CarolinaUp to life imprisonmentPablo Edwin Huerta NunoSouthern District of CaliforniaUp to life imprisonmentServando Gomez MartinezSouthern District of New YorkUp to life imprisonmentKevin Gil AcostaSouthern District of New YorkUp to life imprisonmentRoberto SalazarCA: Los Angeles CountyUp to life imprisonmentMartin Zazueta PerezSouthern District of New YorkUp to life imprisonmentAttorney General Pamela Bondi thanked the law enforcement officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Los Angeles County Police Department for their valuable contributions to these investigations.
The Attorney General also thanked the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, as well as the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Alaska, District of Arizona, Southern District of California, District of Columbia, District of Colorado, Middle District of North Carolina, District of Delaware, Northern District of Georgia, Northern District of Illinois, District of Massachusetts, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of New York, District of South Carolina, Eastern District of Virginia, Northern District of Texas, Eastern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, and Western District of Texas and Los Angeles County for handling the prosecutions of these cases. The Attorney General also thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs which provided critical assistance in securing the transfer of these fugitives to the United States to face justice.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Washington man sentenced to 20 years for cyberstalking, child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
JUNEAU, Alaska – A Washington man was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison, and, upon release, will serve the rest of his life on supervised release for child pornography and cyberstalking crimes that directly impacted least 61 minor victims.
According to court documents, in January 2024, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) discovered that someone was uploading pornographic photos of teenage minors to the internet. HSI agents identified Kaden Ollila, 21, of Tacoma, Washington, as the individual who used different usernames and profiles to upload and distribute these images on pornographic websites.
An investigation revealed that on multiple occasions between January and February 2024, Ollila messaged two separate adult victims through online platforms or text messages. The messages included videos or photos depicting the adult victims individually engaged in sexual acts that occurred when those victims were around 14 years old. On one occasion, Ollila also sent a victim sexually explicit images of at least two other minor females.
Ollila also messaged victims on platforms like TikTok and Instagram detailing sexual acts that he and other men engaged in while looking at photos of the victims. He also harassed victims by detailing violent sexual fantasies he wished to perform on them.
Court documents explain that Ollila maintained a large collection of child sexual abuse materials, including “morphed” nude images he created with the head and faces of adults and minors.
Ollila directly victimized at least 61 minors from southeast Alaska, mainly Juneau, and northern California, mainly Redding, through his conduct. Court documents explain that Ollila used similar conduct to affect at least 95 additional individuals, including adults and minors.
Ollila was indicted on March 20, 2024, and pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography and two counts of cyberstalking on Nov. 7, 2024. In handing down the sentence, the Court recognized the 16 victims who bravely came forward during the hearing to share their stories and the weight they held in deciding an appropriate sentence.
“Kaden Ollila used technology to harass, stalk and terrorize victims across Alaska, California and elsewhere and reveled in the torture he caused. Now, he will spend 20 years behind bars—the statutory maximum penalty for the crimes he committed,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “I want to thank the HSI investigators and our prosecutors for diligently seeking justice for the victims in this case by holding Mr. Ollila accountable for his disturbing conduct.”
HSI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting children from predators who exploit technology to harm them," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge Colin Jackson. "Ollila targeted dozens of victims across multiple states, and thanks to the diligent efforts of our agents, he is now being held accountable for his actions."
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Reed prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Five commercial fishermen charged in illegal halibut fishing conspiracyRead the Press Release
JUNEAU, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging five southeast Alaska commercial fishermen with conspiring to illegally harvest halibut, in violation of the Lacey Act.
According to court documents, Jonathan Pavlik, 43, of Yakutat, Vincent Jacobson, 51, of Yakutat, Kyle Dierick, 36, of Yakutat, Michael Babic, 42, of Cordova, and Timothy Ross, 58, of Washington, all experienced commercial fishermen, each conspired to illegally harvest halibut near Yakutat on multiple occasions between 2019 and 2023.
Court documents allege that Pavlik separately conspired with Jacobson, Dierick, Babic, and Ross to illegally harvest and land halibut through various means, including each defendant landing halibut without having been aboard the fishing vessel at all times during the fishing trips, which violates federal law and regulations. The indictment alleges that Pavlik, Jacobson, Dierick, Babic, and Ross intentionally falsely reported that the halibut caught was creditable to their respective Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) permit balances, which is a permit any individual commercially fishing for halibut in the waters off Alaska is required to have. Pavlik and the three co-conspirators are responsible for over 10,700 pounds of illegally harvested halibut.
The indictment further alleges that between Aug. 31, 2023, and Oct. 11, 2023, Pavlik sold and intentionally made false statements regarding over 9,600 pounds of halibut that was caught on the F/V Bad Intentions but illegally transferred to the F/V New Era before landing for sale.
Pavlik is charged with four counts of Lacey Act conspiracy, five counts of Lacey Act—unlawful sale, and five counts of Lacey Act—false labeling. Jacobson, Dierick, Babic and Ross are each charged with one count of Lacey Act conspiracy. The defendants are scheduled to make their initial court appearances over the next two weeks before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison for each count and up to a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Assistant Director Benjamin Cheeseman of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement, Alaska Division made the announcement.
The NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement Alaska Division is investigating the case, with assistance from the Alaska Wildlife Troopers.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Brickey and Mac Caille Petursson are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
UPDATE: This release has been updated to reflect a spelling error.
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Final defendants plead guilty in Alaska fentanyl, heroin trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The final two defendants in a six-defendant drug trafficking ring pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to traffic large amounts of fentanyl and heroin to Alaska.
According to court documents, Semaj Brown, 34, and Brandon Garrett, 46, both of Anchorage, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Julio Juarez, 32, of Anchorage, Marcelino Juarez, 30, of Anchorage, Shane Murphy, 43, of Wasilla, and Gustavo Sebastian Lopez-Chavez, 24, a Mexican national illegally residing in the U.S., to purchase fentanyl and heroin in California and transport the substances to Alaska through the mail or in checked airline baggage. Marcelino Juarez, Julio Juarez, Brown and Murphy all traveled between Alaska and California on multiple occasions to obtain drugs and contributed money toward drug purchase trips.
Law enforcement’s investigation into the conspiracy culminated on Aug. 22, 2024, when agents with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) identified a suspicious parcel destined for a residence in Anchorage. On Aug. 26, 2024, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on the parcel and seized over two kilograms of fentanyl powder from the package. Later that day, law enforcement officials conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel at the destined location. Marcelino Juarez was observed entering the residence, which belonged to a third-party, and leaving with the package in a vehicle with Brown. Marcelino Juarez and Brown met with another vehicle at a local gas station before both vehicles were contacted by law enforcement through traffic stops. Marcelino Juarez was arrested during the traffic stop, and Garrett, who was an occupant in the other vehicle, was detained.
Through further investigation, law enforcement also discovered that Brown and Murphy flew from Anchorage to Los Angeles to purchase heroin and fentanyl from multiple sources between July 3 and 5, 2024. Law enforcement later determined that one of the sources was Lopez-Chavez.
On July 6, 2024, law enforcement at the Los Angeles International Airport seized roughly one kilogram of heroin and two kilograms of fentanyl powder from a checked bag destined for Anchorage. When Murphy and Brown arrived in Alaska, they noted that the suitcase did not arrive.
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Alaska U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Alaska.The FBI arrested Lopez-Chavez in Los Angeles on Nov. 14, 2024. He was found to be in possession of roughly 23 kilograms of fentanyl, U.S. currency and counterfeit immigration documents.
In total, law enforcement has seized at least 36 kilograms of fentanyl and roughly 10 kilograms of heroin connected to the drug trafficking conspiracy.
Marcelino Juarez was charged by complaint in August 2024, and indicted along with Julio Juarez, Brown and Murphy in September 2024. Marcelino Juarez and Julio Juarez pleaded guilty in July 2025, and Murphy pleaded guilty in April 2025. Lopez-Chavez was charged by complaint and indicted in November 2024 and pleaded guilty in June 2025. Garrett was indicted in March 2025. The Juarez brothers and Brown were identified as known gang members by the Stockton, California, Police Department.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced within the next three months. Marcelino Juarez, Brown, Murphy, Lopez-Chavez and Garrett face between 10 years to life in prison. Julio Juarez faces between 15 years to life in prison due to a prior conviction in California for attempted murder, for which he served 11 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office, Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes and Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Seattle Division made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and the Alaska High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Mat-Su Narcotics Team investigated this case. Special assistance was provided by HIDTA’s Southcentral Area-wide Narcotics Team (SCAN), Fairbanks Area-wide Narcotics Team (FANT), and Anchorage Airport Interdiction Team (AAIT); U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), FBI Los Angeles Field Office, FBI Sacramento Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Los Angeles Special Response Team, Los Angeles Police Department, Stockton Police Department, and California Highway Patrol. The Anchorage Police Department and Alaska State Troopers also provided assistance as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Bradley, Jack Schmidt, and Bill Reed are prosecuting the case.
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Wainwright man arrested, charged with child exploitation offensesRead the Press Release
A Wainwright man was arrested by the FBI yesterday at his residence on criminal charges related to his alleged attempted enticement of minors in his community to meet for sexual contact. He also allegedly received and possessed child pornography and attempted to entice minors to produce child pornography.
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of AlaskaAccording to court documents, on Oct. 22, 2024, the North Slope Borough Police Department took a complaint from a 15-year-old minor victim about Robert Segevan, 31, allegedly requesting sexually explicit pictures from the minor victim on a digital messaging application. Two other minor victims also allegedly received the same request from Segevan. The 15-year-old victim stated Segevan started messaging them in 2023. Anytime they would attempt to block him, he would allegedly create a new account on the messaging application and continue to ask for sexually explicit pictures.
Court documents explain that on Nov. 7, 2024, the North Slope Borough Police Department received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) detailing that a user account, later identified as Segevan’s, on the digital messaging platform was flagged for child sexual abuse material. The tip detailed Segevan asking a fourth minor victim to meet for sexual contact.
Court documents further detail that on Nov. 14, 2024, the North Slope Borough received a search warrant return from the digital messaging application for two of Segevan’s usernames. Law enforcement reviewed the return and identified several sexually explicit pictures sent from a fifth minor victim. On Dec. 24, 2024, North Slope Borough Police Department executed a search warrant on Segevan’s home in Wainwright and seized electronic devices. These devices are still being processed.
On June 30, 2025, the FBI received a complaint that Segevan allegedly asked one of the previously identified minor victims for pictures of their body, and that he was allegedly harassing several minors in the Wainright community for pictures of their bodies.
Segevan is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of attempted enticement of a minor, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography. If convicted, Segevan faces between 15 years to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and North Slope Borough Police Department are investigating the case, with assistance from Anchorage Police Department as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. If anyone has information concerning Segevan’s alleged actions or may have encountered someone in person or online using the name or username Robert Segevan, Ethan Allen, “tukak,” “robertsegevan20,” or “robertsegevan24,” please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###Repeat offender sentenced to 10 years for possessing drugs with intent to distribute while on paroleRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison and, upon release, will serve five years on supervised release, for possessing drugs with the intent to distribute them following a refusal of a routine search of his residence while on parole.
According to court documents, on Oct. 20, 2022, two Alaska Department of Corrections parole officers visited Andrew Lee, 42, at his residence for a routine search pursuant to Lee’s conditions of parole release in a state criminal case where he was convicted of second-degree murder. Lee shared this residence with multiple family members.
Lee led the parole officers to a bedroom he claimed he shared with his father. During a search of this bedroom, the parole officers found no material evidence that Lee stayed in the bedroom The parole officers searched his vehicle and located two cell phones and a “tooter” straw, both of which are consistent with drug paraphernalia.
When parole officers attempted to determine who resided in the other three bedrooms in the residence, Lee claimed that two of the three were occupied by his aunt and mother, respectively, while the final bedroom was occupied by a different individual. Lee stated that this room was locked, and the parole officers were not allowed to enter. The parole officers spoke on the phone with the individual who allegedly lived in that bedroom. That individual said he was the owner of the residence, that he lived in Georgia and that the bedroom was Lee’s.
The parole officers asked Lee about inconsistencies in his statements and Lee immediately began yelling at his father in a different language. The parole officers informed Lee he was being detained and handcuffed him for their own safety. When the parole officers attempted to unlock the bedroom door, Lee’s father stopped them. The parole officers asked Lee whether we would comply with the search, and he started yelling at his father in a different language again. The parole officers decided to arrest Lee for refusing to submit to the search.
The parole officers remanded Lee to the Anchorage Correctional Complex. During in-processing, correctional officers located roughly $1,500 in cash and over 57 grams of pure methamphetamine, over 28 grams of heroin and nearly 5 grams of fentanyl packaged in multiple baggies on his person.
On Jan. 18, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Lee, and on April 11, 2024, Lee pleaded guilty to possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute.
“Mr. Lee participated in the dangerous drug trade while on parole for a violent felony—and will now spend 10 years behind bars for it,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Let this sentence serve as a clear message: our office, in partnership with law enforcement, will pursue drug traffickers and seek harsh penalties for those who threaten the safety of our communities.”
“While on parole, the defendant continued to threaten the safety of our communities by committing federal drug trafficking crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Following a collaborative investigation by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, this sentencing reflects our continued commitment to hold drug traffickers accountable, while protecting Alaska’s communities from the dangers of illicit drug activity.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department investigated the case as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the Alaska Department of Corrections.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody Tirpak prosecuted the case.
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Fairbanks man sentenced to 22 years for distributing fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdoseRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Fairbanks man was sentenced today to 22 years in prison and, upon release, will serve five years on supervised release for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the overdose death of a local man in 2022.
According to court documents, beginning in May 2022 and continuing to July 2022, Edward Ginnis, 39, agreed with co-conspirators to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances in the Fairbanks area. Specifically, Ginnis distributed controlled substances to a co-conspirator, who then sold the substances to others. Ginnis’ actions were a small part of a larger drug trafficking enterprise allegedly being directed by an inmate in a California prison.
On June 7, 2022, Ginnis sent an overnight package containing money to a co-conspirator in California, paying in advance for a shipment of drugs intended for a co-conspirator in Fairbanks. On June 11, a package arrived for the co-conspirator in Fairbanks. Ginnis and the alleged leader of the enterprise had orchestrated this shipment. Drug ledgers found in the alleged leader’s prison cell indicate that the shipment contained “chocolate,” which was a term that members of the enterprise used for heroin. The alleged leader also arranged to have additional packages containing heroin sent to Alaska, and Ginnis received more packages on June 16 and 21, 2022.
Later in the day on June 11, 2022, Ginnis sent text messages to several distributors asking if they had potential purchasers. One of the distributors, the co-defendant in this case, allegedly offered to help sell drugs. On June 25, Adam Sakkinen, 32, an individual who struggled with heroin usage, messaged the co-defendant asking to purchase drugs. Around noon, the co-defendant allegedly agreed to sell drugs to Sakkinen and he sent the co-defendant $50.00 before messaging that he was on his way.
Later, at 12:58 p.m. that same day, local fire and emergency medical services responded to a single car accident on the side of a road in Badger. First responders found Sakkinen unconscious behind the wheel of a car with drug paraphernalia in his hands and near him. Law enforcement officials tested the paraphernalia, and it tested positive for fentanyl.
First responders administered six doses of Narcan to Sakkinen and he regained a pulse. Sakkinen was transported to two hospitals and was put on life support at a hospital in Anchorage. Sakkinen spent 11 days in the intensive care unit before he passed away. A sample of Sakkinen’s blood was sent for testing and lab results found that he had 20 nanograms per milliliter of fentanyl in his bloodstream at the time of his death. Reports show that the average lethal level of fentanyl in the bloodstream is eight nanograms per milliliter.
On July 14, 2022, Ginnis was arrested in Fairbanks based on a violation of his state probation. He was in possession of fentanyl that he intended to distribute to others in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy. He also possessed over $13,000 in cash.
On Jan. 18, 2025, Ginnis and a co-defendant were indicted on federal drug trafficking charges. On April 3, 2025, Ginnis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substance resulting in death. His co-defendant is awaiting trial.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the law enforcement agencies that came together to investigate this crime and help bring justice to the family of the victim,” said Acting U.S. Attorney William Narus for the District of Oregon.
“Fentanyl traffickers choose profit over people when they sell drugs that lead to addiction and death,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This sentence holds Mr. Ginnis accountable for this choice and sends a clear message that the DEA and our partners will bring to justice those who seek to poison and destroy our communities.”
“The Alaska State Troopers are committed to working with our federal and local partners to bring dangerous drug traffickers to justice,” said Colonel Maurice Hughes, Director of the Alaska State Troopers. “Drug dealers have no place in our great state. This sentencing sends a clear message: if you traffic dangerous drugs in Alaska, law enforcement will find you, and you will face serious consequences for your actions.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska has been recused from this case with the exception of certain personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York has been appointed as Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General to assist with this and other recused cases. He reports to and acts under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General, or his delegee, or Acting U.S. Attorney Narus in these cases. Special Attorney Clymer supervises personnel from the District of Alaska who have been exempted from the recusal.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office, Alaska State Troopers, North Slope Borough Police Department, North Pole Police Department and Fairbanks Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephan Collins, Chris Schroeder and Alana Weber are prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Wasilla man sentenced to 50 years for kidnapping, sexually assaulting child in 2022Read the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Wasilla man was sentenced today to 50 years in prison and will serve the rest of his life on supervised release for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Wasilla.
According to court documents, on Nov. 2, 2022, a 14-year-old girl exited a school bus in Wasilla and started walking home. A dark colored vehicle driven by David Anderson, 52, drove past the victim and turned around to head back toward her. Anderson pulled up alongside the victim and coerced her into the vehicle before pointing a revolver at her. Anderson covered the victim’s head with a blanket, punched her at least once in the face and bound her hands with duct tape.
Anderson drove the victim to a remote area where he stopped the car and led the victim into the woods with the blanket still over her head. Anderson proceeded to forcibly sexually assault the victim. After assaulting her, Anderson stood over her, shielded his eyes, and randomly shot at her with the revolver. Without checking to see if she was dead, he then left her in the woods and drove away. After leaving the woods, he disassembled the revolver and threw the pieces into a nearby river.
Once Anderson left, the victim freed herself from the restraints before walking out of the woods to flag down a passing vehicle. The Alaska State Troopers arrested Anderson later that day based on descriptions and statements from the victim.
An investigation revealed that on the day of the incident, Anderson decided to grab his revolver and go out looking for a victim. At the time of the offense, Anderson was a convicted sex offender following another conviction in 2000 for sexually assaulting a minor.
On Jan. 13, 2025, Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping a minor and one count of committing an offense as a registered sex offender. In handing down the sentence, the Court recognized both the depravity of Anderson’s conduct and the bravery of the survivor.
Anderson was also charged by the State of Alaska Department of Law for his offense. He was sentenced on Oct. 7, 2024, and is currently serving an 85-year state sentence.
“Mr. Anderson perpetrated an unimaginable random act of horror and will spend the rest of his life in the only appropriate place, prison,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “The survivor showed extraordinary bravery in escaping this horror and the Alaska State Troopers and FBI mounted an incredible investigation to hold this predator accountable.”
“Today’s federal sentence, combined with the State of Alaska’s sentence of 85 years means that this violent man will never be released back into our community to victimize another Alaskan child,” said Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes. “Your Alaska State Troopers most important duty is to protect our most vulnerable, and this case stands as a powerful example of how federal and state law enforcement can work together to bring the full weight of justice to bear.”
“While walking home from school, an innocent child was violently kidnapped and assaulted – not only was this a horrific attack on a child, but also on the very fabric of our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “I commend this young survivor’s extraordinary courage, along with the special agents, prosecutors, and law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to ensure this dangerous predator will never walk free or harm another child again.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and the Alaska State Troopers investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI's Joint Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (J-CARD) Team. The FBI’s J-CARD Team consists of specially trained investigators and intelligence personnel from the FBI, Alaska State Troopers, and Anchorage Police Department who are experienced in child abduction cases and can rapidly deploy anywhere in the state. The team is designed to provide investigative, technical, and resource assistance to state and local law enforcement during the most critical time following a child abduction.
Assistant U.S. Attorney's Chris Schroeder and Adam Alexander prosecuted the case.
UPDATE: This release has been updated to correct the defendant's age. The correct age is 52.
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Two Anchorage residents charged with conspiring to traffic fentanyl pills and powder to Alaska, laundering the proceedsRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment last week charging an Anchorage man and woman with conspiring to traffic large quantities of fentanyl to and within Alaska and laundering over half a million dollars in drug proceeds.
According to court documents, between August 2024 and February 2025, Corey Clifton, 51, and Elizabeth Cruickshank, 44, conspired together, and with others, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl in Alaska. Specifically, on Aug. 6, 2024, Clifton allegedly shipped a parcel from Washington to Cruickshank in Alaska. The parcel contained over 4.2 kilograms of fentanyl pills packaged in small baggies with stickers inside drink mix containers.
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of AlaskaCourt documents further detail that between Nov. 7, 2024, and Feb. 19, 2025, Cruickshank allegedly attempted to possess fentanyl with intent to distribute on three separate occasions.
On Aug. 8, 2024, Clifton is also accused of possessing two firearms and ammunition as a felon. On the date of incident, Clifton had two prior serious drug felony convictions from 2015 and 2017 in the Alaska Superior Court in Kenai and U.S. District Court in Anchorage, respectively.
The indictment further alleges that between April 2024 to 2025, Clifton and Cruickshank conspired together to launder over $500,000 in drug proceeds.
Clifton is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and firearms and one count of money laundering conspiracy. Cruickshank is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, three counts of attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of money laundering conspiracy. The defendants made their initial court appearances yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge David F. Reames of the Seattle Field Division, Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Seattle Division and Special Agent in Charge Adam Jobes of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS CI) Seattle Field Office made the announcement.
The DEA Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office, USPIS Anchorage Domicile and IRS CI Seattle Field Office are investigating the case, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers and Alaska High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Initiative’s Southcentral Area-Wide Narcotics (SCAN) team.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mac Caille Petursson and Cody Tirpak are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Alaska Parcel Interdiction Initiative, a statewide partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Alaska State Troopers and other local law enforcement to disrupt the flow of dangerous narcotics into Alaska through the mail. Together, the agencies work tirelessly to interdict suspicious U.S. Postal Service and other carriers’ parcels, with a goal of seizing narcotics before they enter communities and prosecuting those responsible for trafficking drugs to Alaska.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Four months of Operation Take Back America results in criminal charges against 39 defendants in AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman announced today the immediate success of Operation Take Back America in Alaska. In just over four months since its inception, the District of Alaska has already criminally charged 39 defendants under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, repel the invasion of illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking.
“Operation Take Back America has already been a huge success in Alaska. By concentrating our efforts on national law enforcement priorities and aggressively charging individuals for perpetrating crimes that most significantly impact public safety, our communities are becoming safer,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “The road ahead will be challenging, but I want to thank our federal, state and local partners for these early successes and look forward to the continued mission.”
“DEA’s core mission is protecting America from drug traffickers and others who seek to do harm to our communities,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “We are proud to collaborate with our partners in Alaska as we work collectively to aggressively implement Operation Take Back America. The amazing results so far speak to DEA’s commitment to work with our partners to make Alaska safe.”
“Transnational criminal organizations responsible for violent crime and drug trafficking in Alaska not only endanger communities, but are also a threat to our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Through Operation Take Back America, Alaskans can expect to see continued results in our mission to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises in furtherance of public safety.”
“When law enforcement agencies at all levels unite, each contributing its distinct strengths, the collective effort enhances the safety of all Americans in the fight against violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais of the ATF Seattle Field Division.
Among the 28 cases charged between Jan. 21, 2025, and June 10, 2025, the following three cases highlight the impact of Operation Take Back America in Alaska:
U.S. v. Mobley
On Nov. 14 and 15, 2024, Sean Mobley, 45, allegedly distributed carfentanil to two people, one adult and one minor. Carfentanil is a highly potent opioid not approved for human use. It is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Both victims allegedly used the substance and overdosed. The adult victim was revived by Narcan, but the minor victim died. Mobley then allegedly dumped her body onto a secluded ATV trail in Wasilla in the middle of the night. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison.
U.S. v. Clifton et al
Between August 2024 and February 2025, Corey Clifton, 51, and Elizabeth Cruickshank, 44, allegedly conspired together, and with others, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl in Alaska. Specifically, on one occasion, Clifton allegedly shipped a parcel from Washington to Cruickshank in Alaska. The parcel contained over 4.2 kilograms of fentanyl pills (over approximately 42,000 pills) packaged in small baggies with stickers inside drink mix containers. The indictment also alleges that between April 2024 to 2025, Clifton and Cruickshank conspired together to launder over one-half million dollars in drug proceeds. Clifton is also accused of possessing two firearms and ammunition as a felon. If convicted, they face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
U.S. v. Kawanishi
On Oct. 21, 2024, Alexander Kawanishi, 32, allegedly purchased illegal narcotics from an individual at an Anchorage motel. Court documents allege that Kawanishi provided the individual with $100 in cash, but later demanded the money back. When the individual refused, Kawanishi allegedly shot the individual with a pistol in the lower back/hip area before fleeing the scene. On Nov. 15, 2024, law enforcement located Kawanishi slumped over the wheel of a vehicle that was stuck on a snowbank. When Kawanishi woke up and exited the vehicle, he was wearing body armor and had two pistols on his person. During Kawanishi’s arrest, law enforcement, discovered a third firearm, methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine. At the time of the alleged conduct, Kawanishi had two felony convictions in Alaska Superior Court, making him a felon in possession of multiple firearms. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
Below is the full list of cases charged as part of Operation Take Back America in Alaska (in alphabetical order):
U.S. v. Benson (DT)U.S. v. Melvin(VC)U.S. v. Santiago-Martinez (I)U.S. v. Carroll (VC)U.S. v. Miles et al. (DT)U.S. v. Schaefer et al. (DT)U.S. v. Clifton et al (DT)U.S. v. Mobley(DT)U.S. v. Cody Severance (VC)U.S. v. Cotton(DT)U.S. v. Owens (VC)U.S. v. Sergio Severance (VC)U.S. v. Facey(DT)U.S. vs. Parker (DT)U.S. v. Spann (VC)U.S. v. Garrett (DT)U.S. v. Ritchie (DT)U.S. v. Steffensen (DT)U.S. v. Greydanus et al. (DT)U.S. v. Rodgers et al. (DT)U.S. v. Walker (VC)U.S. v. Katelnikoff et al. (DT)U.S. v. Ronquillo (I)U.S. v. Washington et al. (DT)U.S. v. Kawanishi (VC)U.S. v. Rowcroft-Ivy (VC)U.S. v. Woods (DT)U.S. v. Lemana (VC)*Drug Trafficking (DT)
*Violent Crime (VC)
*Immigration (I)In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Heyman commends the FBI Anchorage Field Office, DEA Seattle Field Division, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations for their investigations that lead to these charges. He also thanks the state and local law enforcement partners that assisted with the operations in these cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys with the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska are prosecuting the cases.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Final defendant pleads guilty in Southeast Alaska drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The final defendant in a Southeast Alaska drug trafficking conspiracy pleaded guilty today to conspiring to traffic drugs and launder money connected to a transnational drug trafficking enterprise.
According to court documents, on Aug. 24, 2022, U.S. Postal Inspectors seized a suspicious package addressed to Patricia Seal-Uttke, 32, of Ketchikan, and discovered nearly 500 grams of heroin and over 430 grams of methamphetamine. Law enforcement officials conducted a controlled delivery of the package and co-conspirator Larry Marsden picked up the package before being stopped by those officials.
Seal-Uttke’s actions were only a small part of the scheme. Other court documents in this case explain that Seal-Uttke’s co-conspirator Karly Fuller recruited individuals to work for the drug trafficking enterprise and managed their operations. It is alleged that the drug trafficking enterprise was ultimately directed by an inmate in a California prison.
Other co-conspirators shipped parcels containing controlled substances from California and other parts of Alaska to various places in Southeast Alaska, mainly Sitka and Ketchikan, for distribution on behalf of the drug trafficking enterprise. On various occasions, law enforcement officials seized parcels containing hundreds to thousands of illegal fentanyl pills and hundreds of grams of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. According to related court documents, Fuller, Seal-Uttke, Marsden and other co-conspirators in this case were responsible for trafficking over 2.1 kilograms of fentanyl, over 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 500 grams of heroin and over 55 grams of cocaine through the mail to Southeast Alaska in the course of a single month in 2022.
Court documents further explain that between June 2022 and July 2023, Fuller, Seal-Uttke, Marsden, and co-conspirators Julia Brusell and Stormy Cleveland attempted to launder over $150,000 in drug proceeds. The laundering involved money orders, wire transfers, digital money transferring applications and physically mailing parcels containing drug proceeds from Alaska to co-conspirators in California and Mexico.
Seal-Uttke is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine her sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Co-defendants in this case are as follows:
- Karly Fuller, 31, of Sitka, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of money laundering conspiracy on April 23, 2025. Fuller is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 3, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Larry Marsden, 43, of Ketchikan, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of money laundering conspiracy on Dec. 9, 2024. On March 12, 2025, Marsden was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment and will serve three years on supervised release after her release from prison.
- Stormy Cleveland, 39, of Ketchikan, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of money laundering conspiracy on Nov. 15, 2024. On March 25, 2025, Cleveland was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment and will serve five years on supervised release after her release from prison.
- Mario Klanott, 38, of Sitka, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on June 13, 2025. Klanott is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Douglas Vanmeter, 34, of Sitka, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on May 8, 2025. Vanmeter is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 6, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Sara Orr, 34, of Ketchikan, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on June 6, 2025. Orr is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Julia Brusell, 43, of Ketchikan, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy on Nov. 15, 2024. On March 17, 2025, Brusell was sentenced to time served and will serve two years on supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney William Narus of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska has been recused from this case with the exception of certain personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York has been appointed as Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General to assist with this and other recused cases. He reports to and acts under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General, or his delegee, or Acting U.S. Attorney Narus in these cases. Special Attorney Clymer supervises personnel from the District of Alaska who have been exempted from the recusal.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office, IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Seattle Division and Anchorage Domicile, FBI Anchorage Field Office and Alaska State Troopers, with significant law enforcement support from the U.S. Marshals Service, are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alana Weber, Stephan Collins and Chris Schroeder from the District of Alaska are prosecuting the case.
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Philippine national indicted for aggravated identity theft and false impersonation of a U.S. citizen while on a cruise shipRead the Press Release
JUNEAU, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment last week charging a Philippine national legally residing in the U.S. with stealing the identity of a U.S. citizen and falsely impersonating the victim while on a cruise ship in Alaska.
According to court documents, between May 11-14, 2025, Enrico Ronquillo, 37, falsely represented himself as a U.S. citizen on a cruise ship for entry into the vessel’s manifest. Ronquillo allegedly used a counterfeit California driver’s license and California birth certificate that contained the victim’s personal information while aboard the ship. The indictment further alleges that Ronquillo made and used a fraudulent IRS Form W-9 that contained the victim’s name, signature, address and social security number while aboard the ship.
Ronquillo is charged with one count of false impersonation of a citizen of the U.S., one count of making and using a false document, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. The defendant will make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison for each aggravated identity theft count, and up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the other two counts. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Kymberly Fernandez, Area Port Director, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Port of Anchorage made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office, Juneau Resident Agency, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are investigating the case, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers, Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Transportation Security Administration Office of Law Enforcement, Federal Air Marshals Service and the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Reed is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
UPDATE: This release has been updated to include the Transportation Security Administration Office of Law Enforcement, Federal Air Marshals Service as an investigating agency.
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Seven defendants charged with trafficking drugs from Lower 48 to AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned two unrelated indictments last month charging seven defendants with trafficking drugs from California and Nevada to Alaska for distribution.
“These cases are a reminder that our office takes seriously the threat of drug traffickers targeting Alaska, and we will be relentless in working with our law enforcement partners in stopping the flow of dangerous drugs to keep Alaskans safe,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska.
U.S. v. Miles et al.
According to court documents, beginning in at least March 2024 and continuing through February 2025, Kinarla Miles, 67, of Highland, California, Jerome Larue, 51, of Juneau, and Edie Seslar, 60, of Juneau, allegedly conspired with each other to traffic meth to Alaska and knowingly and intentionally attempted to possess meth with intent to distribute it in Alaska.
During the same offense period, Miles, Larue, Seslar and Travis Lind, 38, of Juneau, also allegedly conspired to launder money from their drug trafficking activity.
Miles, Larue and Seslar face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for their drug trafficking charges. Lind faces up to 20 years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy.
The USPIS Juneau Domicile, Juneau Police Department and Alaska State Troopers, as part of the Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs Task Force (SEACAD), are investigating the case, with assistance from the USPIS San Bernadino Domicile.
U.S. v. Rodgers et al.
According to court documents, beginning in at least September 2024 and continuing through March 2025, Christian Rodgers, 33, of Kenai, Helmut Mey, 37, of Las Vegas, and Jonhatan Lau-Osuna, 37, of Las Vegas, conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl in Alaska.
Rodgers is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. At the time of the alleged conduct, Rodgers had two prior felony convictions for misconduct involving controlled substances and misconduct involving weapons in Alaska Superior Court, Kenai.
Mey is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Lau-Osuna is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
If convicted, all three defendants face between 10 years to life in prison.
The charges are a result of an investigation conducted by the USPIS Anchorage Domicile, FBI Anchorage Field Office, and Alaska State Troopers through the Alaska High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Initiative’s Southcentral Area-Wide Narcotics (SCAN) team, with assistance from the Anchorage Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson is prosecuting these cases, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central District of California, District of Nevada and District of Idaho.
These cases were brought as part of the Alaska Parcel Interdiction Initiative, a statewide partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Alaska State Troopers and other local law enforcement to disrupt the flow of dangerous narcotics into Alaska through the mail. Together, the agencies work tirelessly to interdict suspicious U.S. Postal Service and other carriers’ parcels, with a goal of seizing narcotics before they enter communities and prosecuting those responsible for trafficking drugs to Alaska.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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Wasilla man indicted for distributing carfentanil resulting in two overdoses, one fatal and one non-fatalRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment yesterday charging a Wasilla man with distributing carfentanil to two individuals, resulting in the non-fatal overdose of an adult victim and the fatal overdose of a minor.
Per court documents, the Alaska Bureau of Investigations (ABI) discovered that between Nov. 14 and 15, 2024, Sean Mobley, 45, allegedly distributed what appeared to be powder fentanyl to two different people, one adult and one minor. Both victims allegedly used the substance and overdosed. The adult victim was successfully revived by Narcan, but the minor victim died. Further analysis revealed that the substance causing the overdose and death was not fentanyl, but carfentanil. Carfentanil is a highly potent opioid not approved for human use. It is used by veterinarians to sedate large animals and is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Court filings indicate that on Nov. 14, 2024, Mobley and an unnamed individual allegedly sold a small quantity of what appeared to be powdered fentanyl to the adult victim. Later that night, the unnamed individual received a telephone call informing them that the victim was overdosing. The individual returned to the victim’s residence where Narcan was administered to revive the victim.
These same court documents further allege that Mobley later distributed the same carfentanil to a minor victim, causing her to overdose and die. Specifically, during the late evening of Nov. 14, 2024, Mobley drove to a gas station and met the minor victim. The minor victim entered Mobley’s truck, and at roughly 11:54 p.m., texted a friend that she was, “banging one out with Sean” (a slang phrase that allegedly means using drugs).
The court records then allege that Mobley drove the minor victim to a remote ATV trail in Wasilla, arriving around midnight on Nov. 15, 2024. While at the trail, the minor victim used some of the carfentanil that Mobley allegedly provided to her, which resulted in the minor victim fatally overdosing in his truck. He then allegedly dumped her body at the trail, all between 12:00 and 12:13 a.m. Court documents additionally allege that after discarding the minor victim’s body, Mobley left to distribute more narcotics.
On Nov. 15, 2024, a man walking his dog found the body of the minor female on the ATV trail. The state medical examiner found the minor’s cause of death as acute combined toxic effects of carfentanil and methamphetamine.
“Unfortunately, this indictment marks a troubling milestone – the first federal prosecution in Alaska for the distribution of poisonous carfentanil. To make matters worse, Mr. Mobley is accused of distributing this toxic substance to two people, resulting in the near deadly overdose of one and the heartbreaking fatal overdose of a local minor whose body he then dumped onto a secluded trail in the middle of the night,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Aggressive prosecutions of individuals peddling deadly drugs to our communities, including our children, is a national priority, especially when those narcotics kill and the perpetrator acts with callous disregard for his victims. I want to commend the ABI and the DEA for their diligent investigation, and to the Alaska Department of Law for their continued collaboration as we pursue justice for the victims and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.”
“The callousness and cowardice of poisoning then dumping a young woman goes way beyond the pale, even for an alleged drug distributor,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This case cries for justice and I am proud that DEA and our partners helped bring federal charges in this case.”
“This is a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of dangerous drug use and distribution in our great state—especially when it involves our youth,” said Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes. “Your Alaska State Troopers remain committed to holding those accountable who deal deadly drugs like carfentanil. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice for victims and disrupt drug trafficking in Alaska no matter where it occurs.”
“The tragedy of this case highlights the urgent need to protect our Alaskan communities from the deadly impact that the illicit sale of controlled substances has on our state,” said Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor. “The Department of Law is resolved to aggressively prosecute those who traffic in these dangerous drugs and to work closely with our criminal justice partners to deter anyone who seeks to bring this harm into Alaska.”
Mobley is charged with one count of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in serious bodily injury and death, one count of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of distribution of a controlled substance to a person under the age of twenty-one. The defendant will make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 20 years and up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The DEA Anchorage District Office and the ABI are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Bradley and Alana Weber are prosecuting the case, with assistance and collaboration from the State of Alaska Department of Law.
Learn more: Carfentanil: A Synthetic Opioid Unlike Any Other
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Wasilla doctor, business owner arrested, charged with possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Wasilla doctor practicing at Alaska Brain Center was arrested yesterday after a federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging him with possessing child pornography. Sponsler also owns Alaska Music and Arts, a music, karate and dance studio for children.
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of AlaskaAccording to court documents, on March 17, 2025, Jeffrey Sponsler, 67, knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view a computer that contained child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) depicting a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
The FBI searched Sponsler’s home after they received a tip about Sponsler’s alleged possession of and access to child pornography. From the search, law enforcement seized multiple computers and electronic devices, including desktop computers, laptops, external hard drives, memory cards, DVDs and VHS tapes. The FBI is actively reviewing these devices. Court documents allege that an initial review of the devices revealed they contained videos and images primarily showing adults and minors participating in nude beauty contests. It is further alleged that Sponsler then further edited and enhanced the photos to focus on young girls’ genitalia and created slideshows with the edited images. The slideshow focused on the genitalia of girls roughly 5-12 years in age.
Sponsler is charged with one count of possession of child pornography. The defendant is scheduled for his initial court appearance June 9, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a up to 20 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Alaska State Troopers are investigating the case. If anyone has information concerning Sponsler’s alleged actions, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
UPDATE - this release has been updated to correct a misspelling in the defendant's name.
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Anchorage man pleads guilty to filming minors in his home to produce, possess child pornographyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man pleaded guilty today to possessing child pornography and to producing child pornography of multiple minor victims known to him, including images of his hands-on sexual abuse of one of the minors.
According to court documents, in 2017, Richard Dougherty, 43, began sexually abusing a minor under the age of 16 that was in his care. Dougherty took photos and videos of the sexual abuse, creating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).
Between January 2003 and April 2023, Dougherty possessed, accessed with intent to view, received and distributed CSAM. Some of the CSAM Dougherty distributed were visual depictions, including video, of him sexually abusing the minor victim.
Dougherty also concealed a cell phone within the walls behind bathroom mirrors in his home. He ran cables to the phones and modified the mirrors so he could secretly view and surreptitiously record people in the bathroom. Among the visual depictions Dougherty produced this way were nude images of four victims under the age of 18.
Throughout the course of the investigation, the defendant knowingly possessed over 600 images of CSAM.
He will be scheduled to be sentenced on a later date and faces 30 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska, Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Pacific Northwest operations and Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes made the announcement.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Alaska State Troopers investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Brickey is prosecuting the case.
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Two out-of-state residents charged with stealing Alaskan identities to target local financial institutionsRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment yesterday charging two out-of-state residents with conspiring to commit bank fraud by stealing identities and creating false identification documents.
According to court documents, on April 14, 2025, the Anchorage Police Department (APD) received a report that a female entered three local bank branches in Eagle River, Wasilla and Anchorage, respectively. The female presented potentially fraudulent military ID and passport cards and requested to withdraw $9,500 from accounts at each branch. The documents had the female’s picture but the name and date of birth of the account holders. The female successfully withdrew $9,500 from the Eagle River and Wasilla branches for a total of $19,000.
On April 15, 2025, Soldotna Police Department (SPD) received a report similar to the report APD received the day prior, detailing that a female entered a local credit union and presented a potentially fraudulent military ID and passport card to try and withdraw cash. Staff suspected the identification was fraudulent and attempted to contact their fraud department. While on the phone, the female left the credit union.
Later the same day, the Kenai Police Department (KPD) received the same report of a female presenting a potentially fraudulent military ID and passport card at a local bank to try and withdraw cash. Bank staff recognized the female from a recent internal fraud alert.
Staff at the Kenai bank attempted to call the police after the female suspect presented the alleged false documents, but she fled the bank in a vehicle. SPD officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Law enforcement identified the driver as Karey McLeish, 25, of Texas and the female suspect, who was a passenger in the vehicle, as Rebekah Walker, 45, of Connecticut. Officers searched the defendants and located over $700 in cash and a plane ticket from Texas to Anchorage dated April 13, 2025. Officers also searched the vehicle and discovered over $1,600 in cash, three cell phones and key cards for a local hotel.
Court documents further explain that law enforcement searched the hotel room McLeish and Walker were staying at in Soldotna and located a bag containing men’s clothing and hygiene products, as well as 11 military ID’s and 11 U.S. passport cards. The identification documents contained different names and dates of birth for Alaska residents, but all had Walker’s picture.
McLeish and Walker were originally charged by complaints on May 16, 2025, and were arrested in Kenai on May 21, 2025.
McLeish and Walker are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, five counts of aggravated identity theft, five counts of forgery or false use of a passport and one count of fraud in connection with identification documents. The defendants are scheduled to make their initial court appearance on May 23, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison for each aggravated identity theft count, and up to 30 years in prison for the other seven counts. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge William Chang of the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), San Francisco Field Office made the announcement.
The DSS San Francisco Field Office, with assistance from APD, KPD and SPD, is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Miller is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Anchorage attorney arrested, charged with drug trafficking, firearm offensesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A suspended member of the Alaska Bar was arrested today after a federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging him with maintaining a drug-involved premise for the purpose of distributing and using controlled substances, and with possessing firearms as a prohibited person and in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to court documents, in June 2023, law enforcement became aware of Justin Facey, 44, and his alleged facilitation of a drug trafficking organization run by a California prisoner, Heraclio Sanchez-Rodriguez.
Sanchez-Rodriguez was indicted on federal drug trafficking and murder charges in October 2023, and to date, over 60 other defendants have been charged in connection with the Sanchez-Rodriquez drug trafficking organization.
Facey allegedly continued his own drug trafficking operations after the indictment of Sanchez-Rodriguez and other co-conspirators. The indictment against Facey alleges that between April 2024 and 2025, he utilized his residence in Anchorage to distribute and use controlled substances, namely fentanyl and methamphetamine. It also alleges that on April 30, 2025, Facey possessed four firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
The indictment further alleges that Facey unlawfully possessed firearms knowing that he was addicted to methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Court documents explain that Facey was suspended from practicing law on Feb. 24, 2025, following numerous bar complaints.
Facey is charged with one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession of firearms by a prohibited person. The defendant is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on May 22, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces between five years to life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney William Narus of the District of Oregon, Special Agent in Charge David Reames of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Field Division and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska has been recused from this case with the exception of certain personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York has been appointed as Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General to assist with this and other recused cases. He reports to and acts under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General, or his delegee, or Acting U.S. Attorney Narus in these cases. Special Attorney Clymer supervises personnel from the District of Alaska who have been exempted from the recusal.
The DEA Anchorage District Office and FBI Anchorage Field Office, with assistance from the Anchorage Police Department, are investigating the case. If anyone has information concerning Facey’s alleged actions, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Alexander and Jennifer Ivers are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Former U.S. Postal Service employee sentenced to 10 years for attempting to coerce a minorRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A former Anchorage U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison and will serve 20 years on supervised release for attempting to entice and coerce a minor.
On Aug. 22, 2024, William Feltovic, 37, messaged an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old boy on a social media application. The conversation was immediately sexual in nature, and they switched their communication to text messages. Feltovic texted him and continued the conversation, requesting the “boy’s” age and pictures. He told Feltovic he was 13 years old.
Feltovic then requested to meet with him to engage in sexually explicit conduct. The “boy” said he was at a motel in downtown Anchorage and that his parents were leaving soon. Roughly an hour later, Feltovic arrived at the motel’s parking lot and texted that he was there. Feltovic entered the motel through a backdoor that was propped open and went to the room number sent to him. Law enforcement officers arrested Feltovic as he waited at the doorway and peered into the room.
Law enforcement searched Feltovic’s cell phone and discovered over 110 images and over 50 videos of child sexual abuse material, some depicting infants, toddlers and prepubescent children.
“Mr. Feltovic used an online messaging service to groom and prey on what he thought was a 13-year-old boy to fulfill his perverse desire for sexual gratification with a minor,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “My office will work with law enforcement to find every perpetrator who exploits - or even attempts to exploit - the most vulnerable among us for sexual purposes.”
“This sentencing reflects HSI’s commitment, in coordination with our partners, to target and identify those who prey on children,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy. “Protecting children from abuse is a responsibility that we share as a community to hold individuals who victimize children accountable for their actions, while also working together to prevent abuse.”
“The Alaska State Troopers are committed to protecting Alaska’s children from those who seek to exploit them,” said Colonel Maurice Hughes, Director of the Alaska State Troopers. “This case is a stark reminder that predators will go to great lengths to target our vulnerable youth—but we will go farther to stop them. We’re proud to stand with our federal partners to ensure offenders like this are held accountable for their actions.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers and USPS Office of Inspector General, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Schroeder prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Kodiak fisherman sentenced to prison for directing illegal transport of crab from AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Kodiak fisherman was sentenced today to one year in prison and will serve two years on supervised release for leading a plan to illegally transport crab from Alaska to Washington on two crab catcher vessels, in violation of the Lacey Act.
In February and March 2024, Corey Potter, 64, owned and operated two crab catcher vessels and harvested Tanner and golden king crab in the waters of Southeast Alaska on those vessels. The vessels were captained and operated by co-defendants, Kyle Potter, 30, and Justin Welch, 34. Corey Potter directed Kyle Potter and Welch to transport their harvest of live crab to Seattle, where they intended to sell it for a higher price than they would receive in Alaska. Before leaving Alaska, neither vessel landed their harvest at a port nor reported the harvest on a fish ticket, which all three defendants knew was a requirement under state law.
At the time, one vessel had over 4,200 pounds of live Tanner crab aboard, while the other had over 2,900 pounds of live golden king crab aboard. A portion of the Tanner crab was infected with Bitter Crab Syndrome (BCS), a parasitic disease that is fatal to crustaceans. Several crab fishermen reached out to Corey and Kyle Potter expressing concern for the impact transporting crab out of state could have on the industry because of BCS. Despite the concerns, Corey Potter moved forward with his plan to transport the catch knowing some of the crabs were infected with BCS.
Following the multi-day trip from Alaska, roughly 42% of the king crab died and was unmarketable. Since the other vessel had BCS contaminated crabs, the entire catch of Tanner crab was transferred to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to dispose of in a landfill.
In March 2024, law enforcement served a search warrant on Welch and one of the fishing vessels. Welch informed Corey and Kyle Potter of the search and both defendants deleted text messages detailing the plans to sell the crab for better prices and the risk of BCS before their phones were seized by law enforcement.
On Feb. 7, 2025, Corey Potter pleaded guilty to two counts of violating the Lacey Act, which are felony convictions. During sentencing, the Court also ordered Corey Potter to a worldwide commercial fishing ban throughout the duration of his supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the Court emphasized the defendant’s leadership role in the offense and the harm he caused by failing to make accurate and timely reports to regulators.
“Crabbing is a vital component of Alaska’s fishing industry. Mr. Potter blatantly disregarded state and federal fishing laws and ignored the concerns of other fisherman when he directed his two captains to execute the illegal transport, resulting in the reckless loss of over 5,000 pounds of crab,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “The laws protecting this industry help ensure Alaska’s fisheries are sustainable for years to come. My office will continue to work with state and federal law enforcement partners to prosecute federal criminal violations that jeopardize Alaska’s fisheries.”
"Alaska’s fisheries are a global model of sustainable, data-driven management, made possible by the dedication of honest fishermen, strong regulatory oversight, and a commitment to upholding fairness across the industry,” said Benjamin Cheeseman, Assistant Director, NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, North Pacific Division. “This sentencing serves as a clear reminder that there are serious consequences for those who break the rules. We remain committed to holding violators accountable and safeguarding Alaska’s fisheries for future generations.”
The co-defendants in this case received the following sentences:
- Kyle Potter pleaded guilty and was sentenced on July 10, 2024, to five years’ probation, which includes a five-year worldwide commercial fishing ban during the term of supervised release, and a $20,000 fine.
- Welch pleaded guilty and was sentenced on June 25, 2024, to three years’ probation and a $10,000 fine.
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Brickey prosecuted the case.
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Final defendant in local drug conspiracy sentenced to 10 years for trafficking meth to AnchorageRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Ohio man was sentenced May 8, 2025, to 10 years in prison for trafficking multiple pounds of meth to Anchorage.
According to court documents, Christian Landry, 32, of Shaker Heights, Ohio, repeatedly traveled to Alaska from out-of-state to distribute meth in 2022 and 2023.
The investigation started in late 2022, when an undercover officer began purchasing methamphetamine from Elzie Isley, 47, of Anchorage. Isley was a local drug dealer. Law enforcement officers identified Landry as one of Isley’s drug sources, allegedly responsible for trafficking over 20 pounds of meth from the Lower 48 to Alaska to sell.
On Feb. 9, 2023, law enforcement served a search warrant on the residence where Landry was staying with another co-defendant and recovered a loaded pistol, more than $20,000 in cash and several pounds of meth.
Throughout the course of the investigation, officers seized and forfeited over $34,000 and 23 firearms connected to the drug trafficking conspiracy.
“This case is yet another example of a drug trafficking organization flooding Anchorage with dangerous narcotics from the Lower 48,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “My office will work with our law enforcement partners across the state to ensure that anyone who threatens the safety of our communities with these poisonous substances will serve years, and for this man, a decade, in prison."
“Drugs and guns are always a losing combination,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “This and the other lengthy sentences are commensurate to the damage they caused the community. Mr. Landry chose to endanger Alaskans, and now he faces the consequences.”
Co-conspirators in this case are as follows:
- Isley pleaded guilty on Dec. 14, 2023, and was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on April 25, 2024;
- Antonio Wallace, 32, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty on Oct. 18, 2023, and was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on Feb. 5, 2024;
- Ricky Lokeni, 38, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2024, and was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on April 24, 2024;
- Ryann Hobert, 27, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty on Nov. 8, 2023, and was sentenced to 4 years’ imprisonment on March 27, 2024; and
- Jaron Steele, 34, of Paramount, California, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served (235 days’ imprisonment) on May 7, 2024.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Anchorage Field Office, with assistance from the Anchorage Police Department, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Beausang prosecuted the case.
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