District of Alaska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Anchorage Man Indicted for Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging an Anchorage man with being a felon in possession of firearms and for the sale of stolen firearms.
According to court documents, Max Reder, 37, knowingly sold at least nine stolen firearms in October 2020. He also possessed at least 34 firearms knowing he had two prior convictions for burglary in the second degree, a felony, in the State of Alaska. As someone previously convicted of a felony offense, Reder is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The defendant is scheduled for his initial court appearance on Wednesday, August 24th before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Anchorage Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney George Tran 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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Kodiak Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for SextortionRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A Kodiak man was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline to 18 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for the production of child pornography. He was also ordered to pay $13,390 in restitution.
According to court documents, Vince Deliguin, 20, created a fake social media profile for a young woman which he dubbed “Marley Madden” and used it to contact the minor victim in April 2021. Posing as “Marley” Deliguin instructed the victim to send nude photos. Believing “Marley” to be a real person, the victim sent the photos. A short time later, “Marley” told the victim to meet her at a park. When the victim tried to decline, “Marley” threatened to release the photos to the victim’s family and friends. Giving in to the pressure, the minor victim went to the park where he found Deliguin waiting for him. The victim recognized Deliguin because he had recently graduated from the minor victim’s high school. Deliguin then blackmailed the minor victim into engaging in oral sex on three separate occasions, video recorded each of the three acts and attempted to blackmail the minor victim into engaging in sex a fourth time when the victim reported it to authorities.
Deliguin was arrested in May 2021 on State charges and indicted on three federal charges in November 2021. He pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography in February 2022.
“The pursuit of individuals who sexually exploit children and produce child pornography is one of our highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Deliguin’s relentless, aggressive and threatening behavior in victimizing an innocent youth in Kodiak is disturbing and caused significant emotional harm. We recognize the courage it takes for a minor victim to report sexual abuse to authorities. Because of this brave young victim, the perpetrator was brought to justice, making our communities and children safer.”
“Through coercion, Deliguin used extortion or ‘sextortion’ as a means to perpetuate a horrible cycle of child sexual exploitation and abuse, which caused significant harm to the child and the child’s family,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI is fully committed to protecting Alaska’s youth from child sexual exploitation crimes carried out by online predators like Deliguin, who will now spend the next 18 years in federal prison.”
“The Alaska State Troopers will work relentlessly to hold accountable anyone that victimizes Alaska’s youth,” said Major David Hanson, Deputy Director of the Alaska State Troopers. “Your Alaska State Troopers are constantly working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to detect, investigate, and prosecute crimes against children. This case highlights these critical partnerships and our unified commitment.”
The FBI, Alaska State Troopers and the Kodiak Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Ebell prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: www.justice.gov/psc. It was also brought as part of the Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAAVEN) initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in Alaska Native communities.
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Resources:
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at www.tips.fbi.gov.
To learn more about sextortion including what kids and teens need to know as well as what caregivers need to know click here: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/sextortion
Anchorage Man Sentenced for Selling Illegal Guiding ServicesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was sentenced to six months in prison and three years of supervised release for illegally selling big game guiding services in 2018.
According to court documents, Stephen Jeremy Hicks, 45, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one felony violation of the Lacey Act for illegally selling guiding services to a paying client near Max Lake, Alaska. Hicks sold the hunt on Bureau of Land Management lands where he was not permitted to operate and violated Alaska State laws governing guide/client supervision requirements while in the field.
Hicks was also ordered to forfeit his interest in a Piper Super Cub (N8126C) and to pay $13,460 in restitution for the illegally sold Dall sheep hunt. At sentencing the court found that Hicks had committed other wildlife hunting crimes with non-resident clients in violation of state and federal laws, including the Lacey Act. These include: guiding same day airborne hunts, guiding clients on other state and federally managed lands without permits, wanton waste of game, making false statements and records, taking big game without paying for required tags and guiding while his license was permanently revoked. While on supervision Hicks cannot fly private aircraft or engage in any commercial hunting activity in any capacity.
In determining the sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, focused on the lack of investigative resources for wildlife protection, the fact that Hicks profited from his crimes and the trust placed in big game guides by the State of Alaska, stating: “the need for prison is to make clear that blatant disregard for state and federal fish and wildlife rules will not be tolerated.”
“Alaska’s wildlife is the envy of the world. Unwavering wildlife law enforcement is critical to the health and well-being of the state’s wildlife populations, which are an irreplaceable part of Alaska’s natural heritage,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Wildlife is also critical to Alaska Natives for subsistence hunting and fishing as well as sport hunting and tourism. In coordination with our federal and state partners, our office will pursue and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who violate wildlife laws.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Land Management and the Alaska State Troopers investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Skrocki and Ron Dupuis of the State of Alaska Attorney General’s Office jointly prosecuted the case.
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Anchorage Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Trafficking MethRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was sentenced in federal court to a mandatory 10 years in prison by U.S. Chief District Judge Sharon L. Gleason for distributing methamphetamine in the Anchorage area.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ruffy Alvarez, 39, trafficked large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine from California into Alaska during 2016. He supplied these narcotics by the kilo to buyers throughout the Anchorage area. In November 2016, the FBI conducted an undercover operation resulting in the purchase of more than 135 grams of pure methamphetamine from Alvarez. An Alaska jury convicted Alvarez of the methamphetamine distribution following a three-day trial in June 2021.
Alvarez was previously convicted in 2001 by a federal jury for his role trafficking kilos of cocaine from California into Alaska.
“Illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are an ongoing threat to communities throughout Alaska. We will continue to press forward with our efforts to dismantle and eradicate both the supply and distribution of all illegal drugs across our state,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “This sentence sends a clear message that we will prosecute and hold accountable those who are harming our communities.”
“Mr. Alvarez trafficked significant amounts of dangerous narcotics from California to Anchorage for distribution, posing a danger to Alaskans,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Through our robust law enforcement partnerships in Alaska, the FBI remains committed to disrupting the flow of deadly drugs into our communities, and to hold drug traffickers accountable.”
The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Anchorage Police Department and Alaska State Troopers investigated this case as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney George Tran and Emily Allen prosecuted the case.
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Two Fairbanks Men Indicted for Conspiracy, Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft and Money Laundering in Five Year Check Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned a 31-count indictment charging two Fairbanks men with conspiracy, bank and wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering.
According to court documents, Jared Post, 25, and Levi Skulstad, 26, defrauded multiple banks and individuals they viewed as vulnerable to scams between 2017 and 2021, obtaining at least $500,000. Post and Skulstad contacted individuals who they called “Plays” via social media or in person and convinced the “Play” to share their bank account information under the pretense they needed to deposit a check into the “Play’s” account. Post or Skulstad then offered the “Play” a portion of the deposited check in return for use of the “Play’s” bank account.
Once the check posted in the “Play’s” account, Post or Skulstad logged in via the “Play’s” remote banking app and withdrew or transferred the funds electronically or directed the “Play” to transfer the funds to one of them via a cash app or Western Union. In reality, the checks Post and Skulstad deposited were stolen and fraudulently altered; and they withdrew the funds prior to the bank flagging the checks as fraudulent and reversing the transaction. The involved banks, the “Plays,” and the initial victim whose checks were stolen, were left paying losses and overdraft fees while Post and Skulstad made off with the cash.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on the most serious indictment count and a mandatory sentence of two years in prison for each count of aggravated identity theft. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Fairbanks Resident Agency of the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office, Alaska State Troopers, Fairbanks Police Department, Anchorage Police Department and the Vancouver, Washington, Police Department are investigating the case. The FBI’s Phoenix Field Office also assisted in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Tansey 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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S. Lane Tucker Confirmed as U.S. Attorney for the District of AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – The United States Senate confirmed S. Lane Tucker as the United States Attorney for the District of Alaska on May 17, 2022, and she was sworn in on May 31. She was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden on January 26 of this year.
Tucker brings with her over three decades of experience as a prosecuting attorney and defense attorney. Prior to entering private practice, Tucker was an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Civil Chief for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Anchorage. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Tucker was a Trial Attorney in the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington D.C., and began her legal career as an Assistant General Counsel for the General Services Administration.
“I am both honored and humbled to have this opportunity to serve Alaskans,” Tucker said. “Over the past twenty years I have built the most important relationships of my life among the people of Alaska, and I look forward to working tirelessly to give back to this great state. I know from personal experience that the prosecutors and staff in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska are deeply committed to ensuring justice for the people of Alaska, and I am prepared to lead our office to a new era of combating crime in our state and making Alaska a safe place for all who live here.”
Tucker has served as President of the Federal Bar Association, as a lawyer representative to the 9th Circuit Judicial Conference, and is the founder and chair of the Alaska Bar Public Contracts section. For many years she has been selected as one of America’s Leading Lawyers for litigation by Chambers USA, included in Best Lawyers in America, and listed in Alaska Super Lawyers. She has served as a board member and officer for the Alaska Community Foundation and the Anchorage Association of Women Lawyers.
She received her J.D. from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law in 1987, her B.A. from Mary Baldwin College in 1983, and attended Oxford University.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ak
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California Man Sentenced to 25 Years on Multiple Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A California man was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to 25 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, attempted distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine, maintaining a place for drug purposes and illegally possessing firearms.
According to court documents, Antoine Lapoleon Davis, aka “Shorty,” 49, trafficked large amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine to Alaska through the U.S. mail and distributed it in the Anchorage area during 2017 and 2018. He was convicted by a federal jury in May 2021.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant on Davis’s Anchorage apartment on October 4, 2018, where they seized methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, four firearms and other drug dealing paraphernalia. Davis later told the FBI that he distributed nearly three kilograms of methamphetamine and half a kilogram of cocaine per month as well as heroin and crack cocaine. He also stated that he obtained the firearms found in his apartment to defend his drug supply. The firearms included three handguns and a semi-automatic rifle that Davis referred to as a “chopper.”
Davis also mailed two parcels containing drugs and guns that were intercepted by the U.S. Postal Inspectors in 2017. One parcel sent from Anchorage to Arizona contained methamphetamine, meth pills and multiple firearms. The second package sent from California to Anchorage contained nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine. Investigators linked Davis to the two parcels through forensic fingerprinting and handwriting analysis as well as post office surveillance footage.
In issuing the sentence Judge Burgess noted that Davis returned to criminal conduct less than a year after serving a 16-year sentence in California on very similar charges. According to court documents, Davis has been incarcerated or on parole for almost the entirety of his adult life – from 1993 to the present.
“We will not idly stand by while dealers peddle their devastating drugs to Alaskans,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “We take drug trafficking crimes very seriously in Alaska and we will continue to vigorously prosecute traffickers, wherever they may live, for their illegal actions. This significant sentence should serve as a warning to anyone considering trafficking drugs in our state that, together with our law enforcements partners, we will investigate and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The defendant was a prolific drug trafficker who harmed Alaskan communities by distributing substantial amounts of illegal narcotics in the Anchorage area,” said Antony Jung, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to prevent offenders from plaguing Alaskan communities with illegal drugs and weapons, and we will continue to purposefully identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking enterprises, in an effort to make our communities safer.”
“We will not sit back while individuals like Davis leave a path of destruction in their wake” said Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti, “The sentencing of Davis leaves a clear and lasting impact on the communities of Alaska. It shows the citizens we will work tirelessly to bring large scale dealers like Davis to justice. This should also serve as a reminder to those who think they can exploit members of our community; we will join our efforts together as law enforcement agencies and find you. Cases like these don’t come together without teamwork and we thank all agencies involved”.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kayla Doyle, Jennifer Ivers and Ryan Tansey prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Wasilla Man Sentenced for Killing Harbor SealRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A Wasilla man was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon to two years of probation, 100 hours of community service, a hunting restriction, abandonment of his interest in a firearm and a $1,500 fine after pleading guilty to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
According to court documents, Paul Gil, 41, shot at and killed a harbor seal using an AR15-style firearm in the waters of Prince William Sound in October 2017. He then transported the dead seal to his residence where he was photographed skinning the seal. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) biologist identified the animal in the photograph as a harbor seal which is a marine mammal protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NOAA confirmed that Gil was not authorized to take a marine mammal.
“We are committed to protecting Alaska’s unique and highly vulnerable marine mammal species from illegal takes and exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “The senseless killing of protected species, such as the harbor seal, impacts the viability of its population. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute these cases so future generations can see and experience these animals in their natural habitat.”
“Harbor seals are an important part of Alaska’s marine ecosystem,” said Jon Kurland, Alaska Regional Administrator for NOAA Fisheries. “Shooting seals is prohibited by federal law unless specifically authorized or exempted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, such as the exemption for non-wasteful subsistence use by Alaska Natives. This case was a collaborative effort between the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement, the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, and the National Park Service. I would like to thank our agents and officers and our partner agencies for their contributions to this important case.”
NOAA Office of Law Enforcement investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charisse Arce and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Hattan, NOAA Office of General Counsel, prosecuted the case.
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Three Men Jailed and Fined for Illegally Wading into the Brooks RiverRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – Three men have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment and ordered to pay a total of $9,000 for illegally leaving the Brooks Falls viewing platform and entering a closed area of the Brooks River at Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park by U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble.
David Engelman, 56, of Sandia Park, New Mexico, and Ronald J. Engelman II, 54, and Steven Thomas, 30, both of King Salmon, Alaska, pleaded guilty to leaving the Brooks Falls viewing platform and wading into the Brooks River below Brooks Falls. While in the river, David Engelman was captured on a livestream camera taking selfies of himself in front of feeding brown bears. For their sentence, David Engelman and Ronald Engelman each received a sentence of one week in prison, a fine of $3,000 and one year of probation. Steven Thomas received a sentence of 10 days in prison, a fine of $3,000 and one year of probation. The $9,000 in fines were directed to be paid to the Katmai Conservancy, a non-profit that will administer the funds to the park for law enforcement and other purposes. In addition to these terms, each defendant is prohibited from entering any national park for one year.
In imposing the sentences, Magistrate Judge Scoble stated concerns of deterring others, the economic impact of tourism to Katmai National Park if someone had been injured or a bear killed for injuring one of the men. The court also noted the dangerousness of their conduct as well as the impact on those who witnessed the actions of the defendants and had their experiences in the park ruined by their actions. Magistrate Judge Scoble characterized the defendants’ actions as “drunken capering, and a slap in the face to those who were there.”
“The conduct of these three individuals not only endangered other visitors and wildlife officers at Brooks Falls, they also potentially endangered the life of the bears.” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “We are committed to working with Alaska’s National Park Service to ensure everyone who visits our parks can have a safe experience in seeing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.”
“These individuals behaved carelessly and put themselves at great risk. Brown bears are fierce, territorial predators, especially when concentrated in order to feed on migrating salmon,” said Mark Sturm, superintendent of Katmai National Park and Preserve. “Things could have easily ended very badly.”
Katmai National Park and Preserve in southwestern Alaska protects over four million acres of land and coastal resources including the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and the Brooks River area which is particularly notable for a rich habitat that supports one of the world’s highest concentrations of salmon and brown bears. The park and preserve also protects 9,000 years of human history integrated on the landscape and offers unique opportunities to explore vast wilderness and immense volcanoes, watch brown bears fish for salmon and trout, and many other activities.
The National Park Service, Katmai National Park and the National Park Service–Investigative Services Branch, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Skrocki prosecuted the case.
Washington State Man Sentenced to Eight Years on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
JUNEAU – A Washington state man was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy M. Burgess to eight years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
According to court documents, Roderick Ayers, 33, personally packaged 10 ounces of methamphetamine in a box which he then shipped within a pallet of tires to Juneau on January 31, 2018. A week later the Juneau Police Department (JPD) learned that a known local drug user was acting strangely and attempting to pick up the pallet of tires sent by Ayers. JPD obtained a search warrant for the pallet and found the box of methamphetamine and Ayers’ fingerprint on the drug package. On February 18, a confidential informant in Juneau contacted Ayers to purchase an ounce of heroin for $1,800. The informant electronically transferred the money to Ayers who then shipped the heroin via the U.S. Postal Service.
“Individuals like Ayers and the illicit drugs that are shipped to Alaska leave a trail of destruction in our communities and we will not idly standby and watch,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Today’s sentence sends a message that we take drug trafficking crimes very seriously in Alaska and we will continue to vigorously prosecute traffickers, wherever they may live, for their illegal actions.”
“The defendant exploited critical industries in Alaska to import and sell significant quantities of illicit narcotics in the Juneau region, which has been ravaged by the damaging effects of drug trafficking,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The harm caused by the distribution and use of drugs such as methamphetamine and heroin in Alaskan communities is devastating and the FBI continues to collaborate with local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement partners to stem the tide of this systemic and widespread abuse.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Juneau Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.
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Klawock Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
JUNEAU – A Klawock, Alaska, man was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to 16 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of ammunition.
According to court documents, Michael Delane Howard, 36, purchased approximately 1,000 rounds of .223 ammunition from the Log Cabin Sporting Goods store in Craig Alaska on April 22, 2020. Howard had previously been convicted of multiple felonies and is not allowed to own or possess ammunition or firearms. The investigation by law enforcement also revealed that Howard’s significant other had made several “straw” purchases for Howard and that he had access to multiple firearms.
“Felons who possess firearms endanger our communities,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Our office will continue to partner with federal, state and local agencies to keep firearms out of the wrong hands.”
“Actions like those Mr. Howard took to get firearms, despite his prohibition as a convicted felon, shows how much disregard he has for the law,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “Having his significant other purchase firearms for him further exacerbated Howard’s crimes. We will also work to identify and investigate straw purchasers who put firearms in the hands of convicted felons.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Craig Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAAVEN) initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in Alaska Native communities. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, it encourages extensive collaboration among law enforcement at all levels, rural communities, Alaska Native groups, victim service organizations and care providers.
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Juneau Man Sentenced to 6.5 Years for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
JUNEAU – A Juneau man was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy M. Burgess to six and a half years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing firearms.
According to court documents, Clyde Edward Pasterski, Jr., 42, possessed 13 firearms, one of them being stolen, and eight seal bombs when Juneau Police Department (JPD) executed a search warrant in May 2020 at his residence. Pasterski was previously convicted of two felonies by the State of Alaska and therefore is not allowed to own or have firearms in his possession. Law enforcement also found a ballistic vest carrier with steel plate inserts and more than two grams of methamphetamine and four grams of heroin. Pasterski actively resisted and fought against the JPD officers at his home and then during his interview at JPD. When he was informed that he was being arrested, Pasterski tried to grab the officer’s gun which was secured in the officer’s holster.
“Illicit drugs and guns are a dangerous combination, especially when those guns are possessed by a convicted felon,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Our office will continue to partner with federal, state and local agencies to keep firearms out of the wrong hands.”
“Mr. Pasterski knew he was not allowed to have firearms, but rather than follow the law he chose to procure and possess at least 13 more of them,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “His actions during and after his arrest show how dangerous he is to the community, so this sentence is well earned.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Juneau Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Fairbanks Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A Fairbanks man was sentenced to six years in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography involving minors ages 1 – 15. In handing down the sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline noted the “lifelong impact” these crimes have on victims.
According to court documents, Antonio Sanchez, 25, pleaded guilty to possessing more than 60 videos and images depicting children as young as one year old forced to engage in sexually explicit conduct including intercourse and oral sex with adult males. While the child pornography files were on the defendant’s computer, a file sharing program allowed other computers to connect and download the files.
“Child pornography continually re-harms innocent children who were initially exploited to create these horrific videos and images,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Viewing child pornography is not a victimless crime – the children in these videos and photos are real children who were sexually abused on camera. Because the images are widely shared on the Internet, the children are re-victimized thousands of times as strangers watch and re-watch the sexual abuse. Together, with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to seeking justice for these children.”
“Obtaining and possessing child pornography is a federal crime. Sanchez will now spend the next six years in federal prison for possessing such despicable material,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI is committed, working side by side with our state and local partners, to investigate and combat these horrific crimes against children.”
The FBI and Anchorage Police Department investigated this case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Recognizing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day in AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – Today the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska joins with communities across Alaska in shining a spotlight on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day.
“Generations of Alaska Natives have experienced violence or mourned a murdered or missing loved one for far too long,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska. “Today we reaffirm our commitment to Tribes across Alaska to help find lasting solutions to the MMIP challenge in our state. Working in partnership with Tribal, federal, state and local agencies, we can and must find a way to address the disproportionately high number of missing or murdered Indigenous people as well as help bring answers and justice for the victims and families.”
U.S. Attorney Tucker is spending today in Kotzebue joining the Maniilaq Association and Northwest Arctic Tribes in recognizing National MMIP Awareness Day. She also will join the MMIP Working Group in listening to the local concerns and needs.
“The FBI commemorates Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, recognizing the violence that affects Alaska Native and American Indian communities throughout the nation, and reaffirms our commitment to enhancing public safety in those communities,” said Antony Jung, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Today’s observance reminds us of the importance of this critical mission and the challenging work still to be done, as we are fully committed to continued and increased collaboration with our federal, state, local and tribal counterparts to support those impacted by these horrific crimes, and to protect those we serve.”
“Unfortunately, an unacceptable number of Alaska’s Indigenous persons are murdered or go missing across the state, never to be heard from again. To combat this trend earlier this year, we brought back retired Alaska State Trooper Anne Sears to work as the state’s first MMIP investigator and have dedicated six major crimes investigators to rural Alaska,” stated Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell. “While there is much more work to do, know that your Alaska Department of Public Safety is dedicated to doing our part to improve the outcomes of missing and murdered Indigenous persons investigations across Alaska. Alaska’s first people deserve nothing less.”
“Many Indigenous people throughout Alaska mourn a missing or murdered loved one without clear answers. Today, we remember the victims and honor their lives,” said Anchorage Police Chief Michael Kerle. “The Anchorage Police Department remains deeply engaged with our law enforcement partners to combat the violence that impacts our communities.”
During the last year the Alaska MMIP Working Group has continued to meet every month on a wide variety of topics ranging from challenges with MMIP data to victim services to training and recruitment of law enforcement. A priority of the Working Group is participating in listening and consultation sessions with Tribes across Alaska. So far, the group has met with 170 of Alaska’s 229 federally recognized Tribes in 11 Regions. During these sessions Tribal members share their stories, experiences and needs. This input is feeding directly into the development of the Savanna’s Act Guidelines for Alaska.
Savanna’s Act directs the U.S. Department of Justice to develop guidelines to continually improve communication and coordination among the Tribal, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in response to MMIP situations. It also provides guidance on the collection, reporting and analysis of MMIP data, offers resource information for Tribal governments and provides best practices for culturally appropriate victim services and in returning a loved one home. These guidelines are evergreen with ongoing opportunities for input and recommendations.
The Departments of the Interior and Justice are working to implement the Not Invisible Act, sponsored by Secretary Haaland during her time in Congress. The law established the Not Invisible Act Commission, a cross jurisdictional advisory committee composed of law enforcement, Tribal leaders, federal partners, service providers, family members of missing and murdered individuals, and most importantly survivors. Today, the Department announced the Not Invisible Act Commission members.
Additionally, in March President Joe Biden signed into law the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization Act of 2022 as part of a $1.5 trillion omnibus spending package. This important law expands special criminal jurisdiction of Tribal courts to cover non-Native perpetrators of sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, sex trafficking and assaults on Tribal law enforcement officers on Tribal lands and supports the development of a pilot project to enhance access to safety for survivors in Alaska Native villages. The Office of VAWA will continue to work with Tribes to address challenges in protecting survivors and responding to offenders in their communities and encourage Tribal leaders and designees to attend the 17th Annual Government-to-Government Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation in Anchorage in September.
If you know someone who is missing, it’s critical that you report it right away to 9-1-1 or your closest law enforcement. The first hours of someone missing can be vitally important. If you have questions about the U.S. Attorney’s Office MMIP program, please contact MMIP Program Coordinator, Ingrid Cumberlidge at [email protected] or [email protected] or call 907-271-3314.
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BACKGROUND:
Presidential Proclamation on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, 2022
Justice Department and the Department of the Interior Take Important Step in Addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Crisis
Not Invisible Act Commission
MMIP Information and Resources from the Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center
In July 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced hiring its first MMIP Program Coordinator. In September 2020, the Alaska MMIP Working Group was launched to address the complexities of MMIP response in Alaska. The group is a multi-disciplinary team led by the United States Attorney’s Office MMIP Coordinator, Ingrid Cumberlidge, and comprised of law enforcement, Alaska Native Tribes, and victim service representatives, including:
Tribal Members
- Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska VPSO supervisors
- Tanana Chief’s Conference VPSO supervisors
- Representatives from the Alaska Department of Law
- Tanana Chief’s Conference
- Tribal representatives from Ahtna Region, Orutsararmiut Native Council, Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak, Arctic Slope Native Association, Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Native Village of Kotzebue, Maniilaq Association, Native Village of White Mountain Village
- MMIP Tribal Community Response Plan Pilot Sites: Curyung Tribal Council of Dillingham, the Native Village of Unalakleet and Koyukuk Native Village
Law Enforcement
- U.S. Attorney’s Office
- FBI
- U.S. Marshals
- BIA Missing and Murdered Unit
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Alaska State Troopers (MMIP Investigator, Missing Persons and Cold Case Clearinghouse and VPSOs)
- Anchorage Police Department
- Fairbanks Police Department
- Kotzebue Police Department
- Nome Police Department
- North Slope Police Department
Victim Service Providers
- Advocates from Victims for Justice
- Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center
- BIA Health and Human Services
White Supremacist Gang Leader and Members and Associates Convicted on Racketeering and Murder ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Five members and associates of a violent white supremacist gang, the 1488s, were convicted today in Alaska by a federal jury of RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, and assault.
Evidence presented at trial showed that the 1488s are a violent prison-based gang operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Alaska. The 1488s use Nazi-derived symbols to identify themselves and their affiliation with the gang, including a 1488 “patch” tattoo which depicts an Iron Cross superimposed over a swastika. The tattoo can only be worn by “made” members who generally gained full membership by committing acts of violence on behalf of the gang. The gang has written rules and a code of conduct, including the creed that “the only currency we recognize is violence and unquestionable loyalty.”
Evidence presented at trial showed that Filthy Fuhrer, formerly known as Timothy Lobdell, 45, founded and led the 1488 gang from inside Alaska’s maximum-security prison, where he is serving a 19-year sentence for the attempted murder of an Alaska State Trooper. Fuhrer ordered members of the gang to commit violent kidnappings and assaults in the “free world” outside of prison. Trying to impose greater organization and structure with non-incarcerated members, Fuhrer believed that some members were defying the 1488 code of conduct and diminishing the power and influence of the gang. Fuhrer sent out a trusted lieutenant with a list of directives, these directives culminated in the kidnapping and assault of two low-level gang members on April 2, 2017, and July 20, 2017, and the kidnapping, assault, and murder of Michael Staton on Aug. 3, 2017.
According to evidence presented at trial, 1488 members Roy Naughton, aka Thumper, 43; Glen Baldwin, aka Glen Dog, 40; and Colter O’Dell, 29, worked with Craig King, aka Oakie, 56, who was a member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, to kidnap and murder one of the victims, who had previously stolen from both King and the 1488s. King lined a room with plastic, where he and the 1488 defendants beat and tortured the victim. Baldwin and O’Dell then took the victim out to the woods, shot him, and burned his body. O’Dell earned his membership patch into the 1488s by committing the murder of Staton.
“The guilty verdicts today strike a significant blow to the highest levels of the 1488 gang,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners remain committed to combating and dismantling violent white supremacist gangs.”
“Violent gangs, especially those based upon racial hatred, are a plague to our society. As this case demonstrates, the crimes of organized prison gangs often go beyond the prison walls bringing violence into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Today’s convictions are a major disruption to the operation of the 1488 prison gang and hold accountable those who order or commit brutal and heinous crimes. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute violent gang crimes regardless of where they take place. There is no higher priority than keeping our communities and the citizens of Alaska safe.”
“Today’s verdict demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to investigating and dismantling violent gangs, regardless of where they are being operated and who is leading them,” said FBI Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the Criminal Investigative Division. “In collaboration with our federal, state, local and international partners, we will aggressively target and pursue violent offenders. This verdict sends a clear signal to others who engage in gang violence that we will hold them accountable and bring them to justice.”
“The inhumanity shown by members of the 1488 criminal enterprise, to include the kidnapping, torture, and murder of Michael Staton, is a gruesome example of why we must identify and dismantle violent criminal organizations,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The morally despicable extremist prison gang has been seriously undermined thanks to the robust and effective, coordinated law enforcement and prosecution efforts shown throughout this case. These convictions will certainly make our community a safer place.”
Fuhrer was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping resulting in death, three counts of kidnapping conspiracy, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of assault in aid of racketeering. Naughton was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping resulting in death, three counts of kidnapping conspiracy, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of assault in aid of racketeering. Baldwin, O’Dell, and King were convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping resulting in death, and kidnapping conspiracy. All five defendants face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole for the murder.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, and the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Bureau of Investigation, investigated the case in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska and the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS). Investigative assistance was provided by the IRS Criminal Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Anchorage Police Department (APD), and the State of Alaska’s Department of Corrections.
Trial Attorney Jeremy Franker of the Criminal Division’s OCGS and Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Taylor, James Klugman and Chris Schroeder are prosecuting the case.
White Supremacist Gang Leader and Members and Associates Convicted on Racketeering and Murder ChargesRead the Press Release
Five members and associates of a violent white supremacist gang, the 1488s, were convicted today in Alaska by a federal jury of RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, and assault.
Evidence presented at trial showed that the 1488s are a violent prison-based gang operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Alaska. The 1488s use Nazi-derived symbols to identify themselves and their affiliation with the gang, including a 1488 “patch” tattoo which depicts an Iron Cross superimposed over a swastika. The tattoo can only be worn by “made” members who generally gained full membership by committing acts of violence on behalf of the gang. The gang has written rules and a code of conduct, including the creed that “the only currency we recognize is violence and unquestionable loyalty.”
Evidence presented at trial showed that Filthy Fuhrer, formerly known as Timothy Lobdell, 45, founded and led the 1488 gang from inside Alaska’s maximum-security prison, where he is serving a 19-year sentence for the attempted murder of an Alaska State Trooper. Fuhrer ordered members of the gang to commit violent kidnappings and assaults in the “free world” outside of prison. Trying to impose greater organization and structure with non-incarcerated members, Fuhrer believed that some members were defying the 1488 code of conduct and diminishing the power and influence of the gang. Fuhrer sent out a trusted lieutenant with a list of directives, these directives culminated in the kidnapping and assault of two low-level gang members on April 2, 2017, and July 20, 2017, and the kidnapping, assault, and murder of Michael Staton on Aug. 3, 2017.
According to evidence presented at trial, 1488 members Roy Naughton, aka Thumper, 43; Glen Baldwin, aka Glen Dog, 40; and Colter O’Dell, 29, worked with Craig King, aka Oakie, 56, who was a member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, to kidnap and murder one of the victims, who had previously stolen from both King and the 1488s. King lined a room with plastic, where he and the 1488 defendants beat and tortured the victim. Baldwin and O’Dell then took the victim out to the woods, shot him, and burned his body. O’Dell earned his membership patch into the 1488s by committing the murder of Staton.
“The guilty verdicts today strike a significant blow to the highest levels of the 1488 gang,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners remain committed to combating and dismantling violent white supremacist gangs.”
“Violent gangs, especially those based upon racial hatred, are a plague to our society,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “As this case demonstrates, the crimes of organized prison gangs often go beyond the prison walls bringing violence into our communities. Today’s convictions are a major disruption to the operation of the 1488 prison gang and hold accountable those who order or commit brutal and heinous crimes. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute violent gang crimes regardless of where they take place. There is no higher priority than keeping our communities and the citizens of Alaska safe.”
“Today’s verdict demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to investigating and dismantling violent gangs, regardless of where they are being operated and who is leading them,” said FBI Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the Criminal Investigative Division. “In collaboration with our federal, state, local and international partners, we will aggressively target and pursue violent offenders. This verdict sends a clear signal to others who engage in gang violence that we will hold them accountable and bring them to justice.”
“The inhumanity shown by members of the 1488 criminal enterprise, to include the kidnapping, torture, and murder of Michael Staton, is a gruesome example of why we must identify and dismantle violent criminal organizations,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The morally despicable extremist prison gang has been seriously undermined thanks to the robust and effective, coordinated law enforcement and prosecution efforts shown throughout this case. These convictions will certainly make our community a safer place.”
Fuhrer was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping resulting in death, three counts of kidnapping conspiracy, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of assault in aid of racketeering. Naughton was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping resulting in death, three counts of kidnapping conspiracy, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of assault in aid of racketeering. Baldwin, O’Dell, and King were convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping resulting in death, and kidnapping conspiracy. All five defendants face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole for the murder.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Bureau of Investigation, investigated the case in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska and the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS). Investigative assistance was provided by the IRS Criminal Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Anchorage Police Department (APD), and the State of Alaska’s Department of Corrections.
Trial Attorney Jeremy Franker of the Criminal Division’s OCGS and Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Taylor, James Klugman and Chris Schroeder are prosecuting the case.
Alaska Dentist and Wife Indicted for Tax Evasion, Bankruptcy Fraud, Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – In an indictment unsealed yesterday, a federal grand jury in Anchorage, Alaska, charged an Alaska dentist and his wife with tax evasion, conspiring to defraud the United States, bankruptcy fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and other federal crimes.
According to the indictment, from approximately 2013 to present, Glenn and Saray Lockwood, of Kenai, evaded payment of millions of dollars of federal income taxes and filed false bankruptcy petitions to impede the IRS’s collection efforts. To conceal their assets from both the IRS and their bankruptcy creditors, the Lockwoods allegedly formed an LLC and transferred assets into the LLC. During the bankruptcy proceedings, the Lockwoods allegedly denied ownership of the LLC and other assets. According to the indictment, the Lockwoods attempted to evade more than $3.5 million in taxes.
If convicted, both defendants face a maximum of five years in prison for each count of tax evasion, conspiracy to defraud the United States and bankruptcy fraud, and 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman for the District of Alaska 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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S. Lane Tucker Appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – U.S. District Chief Judge Sharon L. Gleason appointed S. Lane Tucker as U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska effective April 25, 2022.
Tucker is leaving her position as a partner at the law firm Stoel Rives to accept this appointment. She brings with her over three decades of experience as a prosecuting attorney and defense attorney. Prior to entering private practice, Tucker was an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Civil Chief for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Anchorage. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Tucker was a Trial Attorney in the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington D.C., and began her legal career as an Assistant General Counsel for the General Services Administration.
“I am both honored and humbled to have this opportunity to serve Alaskans,” Tucker said. “Over the past twenty years I have built the most important relationships of my life among the people of Alaska, and I look forward to working tirelessly to give back to this great state. I know from personal experience that the prosecutors and staff in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska are deeply committed to ensuring justice for the people of Alaska, and I am prepared to lead our office to a new era of combating crime in our state and making Alaska a safe place for all who live here.”
Tucker has served as President of the Federal Bar Association, as a lawyer representative to the 9th Circuit Judicial Conference, and is the founder and chair of the Alaska Bar Public Contracts section. For many years she has been selected as one of America’s Leading Lawyers for litigation by Chambers USA, included in Best Lawyers in America, and listed in Alaska Super Lawyers. She has served as a board member and officer for the Alaska Community Foundation and the Anchorage Association of Women Lawyers.
She received her J.D. from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law in 1987, her B.A. from Mary Baldwin College in 1983, and attended Oxford University.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ak
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Federal Jury Convicts Anchorage Man on Drug Related ChargesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A federal jury convicted an Anchorage man today for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Griffin, 33, was stopped by Alaska State Troopers on March 29, 2017, for speeding near Healy, Alaska. During the routine stop the Trooper noticed a large amount of cash in the vehicle. When asked about the cash Griffin explained that people donated money to him and in return those donors received a gift of marijuana. The officer also inquired about any firearms in the vehicle. After initially denying having any firearms, Griffin conceded there were some in the vehicle. After obtaining a search warrant, law enforcement found five pounds of methamphetamine, a quantity of heroin and marijuana, over $40,000 in cash and 17 firearms in Griffin’s vehicle. Subsequently, in the spring of 2019, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) learned that Griffin was selling methamphetamine in Anchorage. On April 30 law enforcement conducted a control buy of 50 grams of actual methamphetamine from the defendant.
After the close of the government’s case and prior to the verdict, Griffin cut off his ankle monitor and his whereabouts are currently unknown.
If the public has any information about Griffin’s current location, please contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 907-271-5154.
The Alaska State Troopers, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephan A. Collins prosecuted the case.
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10 Charged for Illegally Trafficking Corals from the PhilippinesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A federal grand jury in Alaska indicted three men on felony charges and seven additional individuals on misdemeanor charges related to violations of the Lacey Act and smuggling protected marine corals from the Philippines into the United States for retail sale.
According to court documents, Jerome Anthony Stringfield, 43 of Kissimmee, Florida; Albert B. Correira, 35, of Westport, Massachusetts; and Allen William Ockey, 35, of Long Beach, California, are each charged with felony violations of conspiracy, violations of the Lacey Act and smuggling of corals from the Philippines.
In separate filings, the following individuals are each charged with misdemeanor offenses related to violations of the Lacey Act: Derek M. Kelley, 31 of Elkhart, Indiana; Wayne R. King, 42, of Cabot Arizona; James Knight 47, of Newaygo, Michigan; Valeriy V. Gorbounov, 46 of Morrison, Colorado; Nathan C. Meisner, 35, of Rapid City, South Dakota; Ricky A. Sprires, 34, of Gilbert South Carolina; and Michael J. Lecam, 50, of Providence, Rhode Island.
The indictment alleges that between July 2017 and August 2018, the defendants paid a Philippine national to dive for and collect protected marine corals. The Philippine national would illegally ship the collected coral through common carriers and falsely label the packages. All shipments landed and traveled through Anchorage, Alaska. The defendants would then sell the coral online to coral collectors and hobbyists. The indictment further alleges that some corals were illegally sold in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which is an international treaty implemented to prevent species from becoming endangered or extinct because of international commercial trade. Additionally, Philippine law prohibits any person to gather, possess, commercially transport, sell or export corals commercially regardless of CITES status. The indictment charges the defendants, through their Philippine supplier, for illegally purchasing and transporting for sale more than 3,000 separate pieces of coral in violation of Philippines and United States law.
The charging document in all 10 cases states that the Republic of the Philippines is one of six countries straddling the Coral Triangle, a 5.4 million-square-kilometer stretch of ocean that contains 75% of the world's coral species, one-third of the Earth's coral reefs and more than 3,000 species of fish. Poaching for corals and other factors have left only 5% of coral reefs in the Philippines in “excellent” condition, with only 1% in a "pristine" state.
The penalties for felony violations of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and a violation of the Lacey Act are a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and a fine of $250,000. The maximum term of imprisonment for smuggling is a term of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000. The maximum penalty for misdemeanor conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and violating the Lacey Act is up to a year in prison and a fine of $100,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Skrocki and Charise Arce are prosecuting the cases.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Oregon Man Sentenced to 16 Years on Drug and Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Oregon man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline to 16 years in prison for drug conspiracy and assault of a corrections officer.
According to court documents, Michael Hindman, 32, mailed multiple packages of heroin and methamphetamine to a local drug dealer in Unalaska, Alaska, during 2019. In return, the local dealer mailed Hindman boxes of cash to pay for the drugs. One specific package Hindman sent on October 9, 2019, contained 93 grams of heroin. This heroin was divided and sold to individuals throughout the Unalaska community. On October 16 an individual who had received a baggie of the heroin was found deceased in a local hotel room. The medical examiner confirmed that the individual had died of a heroin overdose. The investigation led to Hindman, who was living in Oregon, as the distributor of the heroin to Unalaska.
Hindman was arrested in November 2019 on the federal drug charge. While being held at the Anchorage Correctional Complex in June 2020, Hindman assaulted an Alaska Department of Corrections Officer which required emergency room treatment.
Hindman pleaded guilty to both charges in August 2021.
“The US Attorney’s office and our law-enforcement partners will not stand by while drug dealers peddle their poison and kill Alaskans,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “This heavy sentence should be a warning to anyone considering trafficking in opioids, even from outside the state.”
“The sentencing of Michael Hindman removes a dangerous criminal from the streets and provides closure to the family of his victim. The shipment of illegal narcotics has no place in the US Postal Service and the State of Alaska.” said Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti, “The US Postal Inspection Service is determined to investigate those who use the US Mail in support of their criminal activities. We thank our state, local and federal partners for their support and efforts in this investigation.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and the Unalaska Department of Public Safety investigated the drug conspiracy case. The U.S. Marshal Service investigated the assault with assistance from Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Department of Corrections.
Criminal Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Sherman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Vandergaw prosecuted the case.
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Federal Jury Convicts Anchorage Man for Sex Trafficking a Minor and Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A federal jury convicted an Anchorage man on Friday for sex trafficking a minor and production and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jayshon Moore, aka “China,” 39, began having sexual encounters with the minor victim when she was 15 years old. In 2018, he created numerous sexually explicit videos of the minor which were saved on social media. Moore possessed two videos of child pornography in his Snapchat account. In the spring of 2019 Moore sex trafficked the minor victim, setting prices, arranging transactions and taking the money she earned from commercial sex acts.
Moore was previously convicted of drug trafficking and firearms offenses, and he was arrested in June 2019 after violating terms of his supervised release. Law enforcement executed a search of Moore’s residence and found additional evidence of sex trafficking. Moore was indicted by a grand jury in February 2020.
“The exploitation of a minor for profit is a heinous crime requiring a staggering disregard for the safety and welfare of the victim,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. for the District of Alaska. “Victims often suffer the trauma caused by sex trafficking for their entire lives. This conviction will protect others from Moore’s predatory conduct and sends a message we will not tolerate such abuse.”
"Moore engaged in the commercial sexual exploitation of a child. He demonstrated no regard to that child's age, suffering, or safety," said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners are absolutely committed to identifying and rescuing victims of sex trafficking and bringing their traffickers to justice."
He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Anchorage Police Department investigated the case. The task force marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children through sex trafficking, as well as to identify and recover victims.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Ivers and Michael Ebell are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Anchorage Man Sentenced to Seven Years for CarjackingRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Kindred to seven years in federal prison for carjacking a vehicle with a minor inside it.
According to court documents, Maquire Malo Levi, 24, spotted a running vehicle in the Dimond Center parking lot in November 2019. Levi got into the driver’s seat of the car and began to drive away. A 16-year-old-boy in the back seat of the vehicle punched the defendant at which point Levi elbowed the boy in the face. The boy then opened the back door and jumped out of the moving vehicle as Levi sped off. He later abandoned the car, and his DNA was found on the steering wheel and shifter. Levi was indicted on federal carjacking charges in January 2021.
“Levi’s callous, reckless, and dangerous actions certainly merit this significant sentence,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “This prosecution and sentence will make Alaska safer and should deter future similar conduct.”
“This individual’s complete disregard for public safety and senseless violence committed against innocent bystanders, is patently unacceptable,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI and our partners will continue working in lockstep to get dangerous individuals like this off our streets and hold them accountable for their crimes.”
The FBI and Anchorage Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kayla Doyle prosecuted the case.
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Alaska Man Sentenced to 32 Months in Prison for Threatening U.S. SenatorsRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS – A Delta Junction, Alaska, man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline to 32 months in prison and a $5,000 fine after pleading guilty to two counts of threatening to murder Alaska’s two U.S. Senators.
According to court documents, Jay Allen Johnson, 65, left 17 threatening voicemails for Alaska’s two U.S. Senators over a five-month period and said that the messages were intended to retaliate against them for performing their official duties. On September 2, 2021, Johnson left a voicemail at the Washington D.C. office of Senator Lisa Murkowski containing several threats, including a threat to “burn” the Senator’s properties. Johnson then asked if the Senator knew what a .50 caliber shell “does to a human head.” On September 29, Johnson left another voicemail threatening to hire an assassin to kill the U.S. Senator. Johnson also left threatening voicemail messages for Senator Dan Sullivan between April 2021 and September 2021, including one in which he threatened to get his “.50 caliber out,” hold a “GoFundMe page for the …shells,” and to come “with a vengeance mother*ucker.”
The investigation revealed that the calls originated in Delta Junction, Alaska from a cellular telephone number that the FBI and Capitol Police had traced back to Johnson. The FBI arrested Johnson on October 4, 2021, after observing him drive from Delta Junction to Fairbanks International Airport. During a subsequent search of Johnson’s residence, the FBI seized seven unsecured firearms, which were illegal for Johnson to possess due to his prior felony conviction.
Johnson pleaded guilty in January of this year to the charges. As part of the plea agreement, a three-year federal protective order will be in place prohibiting Johnson from contacting either U.S. Senator, their family or staff members following his release from prison. Johnson also agreed to forfeit the seven firearms seized from his residence.
“Nothing excuses this conduct, threatening our elected officials, an act that attacks our very system of governance,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “The erosion of civility in our political discourse will never justify threats or acts of violence. Johnson’s actions must be punished, and the Department of Justice will always work to ensure our elected officials can serve without fear of harm.”
“Those performing their official duties should be able to do so without fear for their safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “This case underscores the swift efforts by the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners as we worked together to address these threats before any potential acts of violence occurred.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Capitol Police investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Tansey prosecuted the case.
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Fairbanks Man Sentenced to 14 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS – A Fairbanks man was sentenced yesterday to 14 years in prison followed by eight years of supervised release for distributing counterfeit pills containing fentanyl resulting in the death of another individual. In issuing the sentence, U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline noted that the 21-year-old victim had his entire life ahead of him when he overdosed on the counterfeit pills.
According to court documents, Andre Ronell Brown, 48, distributed counterfeit pills made to resemble pharmaceutical grade 30 milligram Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills, but which actually contained an unknown amount of fentanyl. On October 26, 2020, Brown distributed two of these pills via a co-conspirator to J.L. in Fairbanks. Two days later, J.L. was discovered deceased as a result of a drug overdose. The Medical Examiner confirmed that the cause of J.L.’s death was fentanyl, which was contained in the pills that originated from Brown.
Brown’s alleged co-conspirators, Christopher Kearney, 27, and Ladarius Edwards, 27, were each previously sentenced to five-years in prison based on their sales of pills obtained from Brown, which caused two additional non-fatal drug overdoses. Brown’s additional co-conspirator, Winston Crockett, previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
“Distributing counterfeit Oxycodone pills is a particularly insidious crime because the consumer is misled about how potent or potentially lethal they are,” said U.S Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr., District of Alaska. “When the pills are laced with fentanyl – as most are – the predictable outcome is a potentially deadly overdose. Traffickers like Brown are directly responsible for killing Alaskans, and my office and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to bring them to justice.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Alaska State Troopers, Fairbanks Police Department and North Pole Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Tansey prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Alaska’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). HIDTA was established in 2018 to enhance and coordinate efforts among local state and federal law enforcement agencies, providing equipment, technology and additional resources to combat drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of Alaska.
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Anchorage Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was charged by information today and immediately pleaded guilty to passport fraud, health care benefits fraud, false statements relating to health care benefits, Social Security benefits fraud and false statements.
According to court documents, William Joe Westfall, 72, was born in 1949 and served in the U.S. Navy from July 1972 – July 1978. He was a computer technician and retired as a Petty Officer First Class. He did not serve in the Vietnam War, was never stationed in Vietnam, and never traveled to Vietnam or the waters near Vietnam during his service in the U.S. Navy.
Despite his true past, Westfall applied for Medicare benefits in December 2010 stating that he was born in 1941 when he knew that he was born in 1949. Based on this false information, U.S. agencies determined that Westfall was eligible for Medicare and additional Social Security benefits. Since this time, Westfall has received more than $44,000 in Medicare benefits to which he was not entitled and $144,000 more than he was entitled to in Social Security benefits.
In June 2011, Westfall applied for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical benefits. In support of his application, Westfall submitted a military discharge document known as a DD-214 to establish eligibility based on prior service in Vietnam. The DD-214 showed his alleged Vietnam War service and 1941 birth year. Westfall also later claimed to have been a diver in the U.S. Navy, suffered hearing loss as a result of his Vietnam service and to have been exposed to Agent Orange in order to obtain a service-related disability determination through the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). The DD-214 and statements about his service in Vietnam, including the associated health issues arising from that service, were false. In total, Westfall received $331,401.81 in VBA and VHA benefits to which he was not entitled.
In February 2016, Westfall applied for a U.S. Passport and falsely stated that his birth year was 1941. The passport was issued with the false birth year.
Additionally, in June 2021, federal agents from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General interviewed Westfall about these issues. During the interview, Westfall lied to agents by again falsely claiming he was born in 1941, served in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange along the Mekong River Delta.
As part of his plea agreement, Westfall will pay full restitution of $518,401.81 and 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.
“Every year the United States suffers enormous losses from fraud against government programs,” said U. S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “Fraud against government entitlements and services is intolerable, as it is truly a theft from all taxpayers. Westfall’s half-million-dollar fraud scheme compromised a multitude of programs run by multiple agencies: the Social Security Administration, Medicare, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of State. We applaud the collaborative work of these agencies in investigating this case; their efforts secure the integrity of our programs and services and preserve the limited resources available to fund those programs.”
“This conviction demonstrates the VA OIG’s unwavering commitment to protect programs intended to assist veterans that have served this nation and rightfully earned their benefits,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason P. Root of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwestern Field Office.
“HHS-OIG remains vigilant in our quest to identify individuals who attempt to illegally benefit from federal funds and deprive law-abiding citizens from much needed health benefits,” stated Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate illegal acts and hold accountable individuals who defraud federal health care programs.”
“This guilty plea results from our collective efforts to hold accountable those who make false statements to obtain Federal benefits. Mr. Westfall deliberately provided fictious biographical information, which caused Social Security Administration (SSA) to improperly pay him more than $144,000 in benefits that he should not have received,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who defraud SSA. I thank the Diplomatic Security Services, Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and Health and Human Services OIG for their support in this investigation. I also thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this case.”
“The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is firmly committed to working with the U.S. Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute all allegations of criminal activity related to passport and visa fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge William Chang of the DSS San Francisco Field Office. “The strong relationship we enjoy with our federal and local law enforcement partners is vital towards ensuring the integrity of U.S. travel documents and protecting greater U.S. interests.”
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division; Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Investigation; and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman is prosecuting the case.
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Utah Doctor Pleads Guilty, Banned from Denali for Five Years and to Pay $10,000 PenaltyRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS – A Utah doctor was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott A. Oravec to a five-year ban from climbing Denali and will pay $10,000 after pleading guilty to violating a lawful order during an accident investigation of the defendant’s climbing partner who fell more than 1,000 feet from the top of Denali Pass. In issuing the sentence, Judge Oravec noted the seriousness of the case given the extremely dangerous environment in which the defendant impeded the investigation.
According to court documents, Dr. Jason Lance, 48, of Mountain Green, Utah, was attempting to summit Denali via the West Buttress route with a new climbing partner, A.R., on May 24, 2021. Between 18,600 and 19,200 feet A.R. became ill, causing Dr. Lance to leave A.R. with a separate climbing team while he proceeded to make a solo summit attempt, taking A.R.’s Garmin inReach satellite communication device with him.
Shortly after Dr. Lance rejoined A.R. and others, A.R. fell un-roped from the top of Denali Pass tumbling more than 1,000 feet down a steep snow and ice slope. Multiple teams reported the fall and Denali National Park’s high-altitude helicopter quickly mobilized for an evacuation, extracting A.R. from the mountain in less than 30 minutes and transporting him for life saving medical care. During testimony, Denali Mountaineering Ranger and Law Enforcement Officer Chris Erickson noted that A.R. was one of the most significant rescues in the park’s history.
After A.R.’s rescue, witnesses testified that Dr. Lance used A.R.’s inReach device to message the National Park Service, first claiming they did not have proper equipment to descend and then misleadingly claiming that two other climbers were suffering from shock in an attempt to secure a helicopter extraction at the top of Denali Pass. One of those climbers, Grant Wilson, testified that he and the other climber were at no time suffering from medical shock, as Dr. Lance’s inReach message misleadingly implied. Dr. Lance continued to dispute this allegation. During testimony Mountaineering Ranger Erickson noted that Denali Pass is an extremely dangerous place for a helicopter rescue for both the climbers and the rescuers due to the high winds that funnel directly through the Pass. Ultimately, the two other climbers convinced Dr. Lance to descend under his own power, and the three made it down safely to the 17,200 ft high camp.
Upon returning to 14,200 ft camp, Mountaineering Ranger Erickson instructed Dr. Lance to turn over A.R.’s inReach device so the National Park Service could return it to A.R. or his family. Dr. Lance initially refused to return the device and proceeded to engage in actions that led the Ranger to believe Dr. Lance was deleting messages from the device. Subsequent investigation revealed that multiple messages had been deleted from the inReach device, including a message in which Dr. Lance requested a helicopter rescue from a different rescue agency for different reasons than those he cited to the National Park Service.
In November 2021, Dr. Lance was charged with three misdemeanors: interfering with a rescue operation, violating a lawful order and making a false report. Earlier this month he pleaded guilty to the charge of violating a lawful order. In addition to the $5,000 fine and a 5-year ban from climbing Denali, the court ordered Dr. Lance to make a $5,000 donation to the Denali Rescue Volunteers https://www.denalirescue.org/take-action. Both Erickson and Wilson testified that Lance’s conduct on the mountain was extremely dangerous and that the 5-year climbing ban was warranted.
“Impeding the investigation of a near-fatal accident and attempting to secure helicopter rescue under misleading premises evinces a selfishness and indifference to the scarcity of public safety and rescue resources that is unacceptable anywhere, let alone on the tallest peak in North America,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office has the important duty of prosecuting crimes and wrongdoings that occur in the 6.1 million acre Denali National Park & Preserve. As this case demonstrates, we and our law enforcement partners take that duty seriously, and we will pursue those crimes at whatever altitude they occur.”
“Rescue on Denali is inherently dangerous for both rescuers and those being rescued,” said Brooke Merrell, acting superintendent for Denali National Park and Preserve. “Any rescue above 14,000 feet is a serious endeavor and should not be taken lightly or be expected. I would like to recognize and thank the Denali mountaineering rangers for the quick response and skillful rescue that saved a life related to this case last May. We are also grateful for the dedicated work of the Assistant U.S. Attorney's office that brought this case to a successful conclusion."
The National Park Service reminds visitors to select hikes and routes that are within their ability and comfort levels. Park visitors should plan, prepare and ask appropriate questions to ensure a successful experience. Denali, located in interior Alaska about 245 miles north of Anchorage, is the highest mountain in North America, rising 20,310 feet above sea level in the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve. Approximately 1,000 climbers from around the world attempt to summit Denali each year, with the majority ascending the traditional West Buttress route.
The National Park Service is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Tansey is prosecuting the case.
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Federal Jury Convicts Anchorage Man of Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A federal jury convicted an Anchorage man on two counts of distributing heroin following two controlled operations in June 2020.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jason McAnulty, aka “Snoop,” 38, sold approximately 101 grams of heroin for $5,000 cash on June 17, 2020, and nine days later sold approximately 25 grams of heroin for $1,300 cash to a law enforcement source. Following the two controlled buys, law enforcement executed a search warrant at McAnulty’s residence in July 2020 where they found more than $34,000 cash and other drug distribution contraband.
“Opioids are fueling an addiction crisis that is killing Alaskans, destroying lives and causing unfathomable misery,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr., of the District of Alaska. “For the sake of a few dollars, drug dealers like McAnulty willingly become instruments and facilitators of this tragic carnage. With our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will work to stop these dealers and protect the public with consequential prosecutions.”
“Part of keeping Anchorage safe is arresting those who distribute drugs on our streets. Our HIDTA unit is designed for this purpose,” said Anchorage Chief of Police Michael Kerle. “Because of HIDTA’s focus on drug trafficking along with our strong relationships with our law enforcement partners we are able to arrest dangerous drug traffickers like Jason McAnulty.”
McAnulty was indicted on the charges in September 2020. Following his conviction at trial, McAnulty faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison given his State of Alaska conviction for a serious violent felony – Robbery in the First Degree. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD), in support of Alaska’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Tran and Stephan Collins are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Alaska’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). HIDTA was established in 2018 to enhance and coordinate efforts among local state and federal law enforcement agencies, providing equipment, technology and additional resources to combat drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of Alaska.
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Anchorage Child Sex Offender Sentenced to 27.5 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was sentenced today to 27.5 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release in front of U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Kindred after pleading guilty to two counts of online enticement or coercion in relation involving two victims. He also admitted to relevant conduct involving sex trafficking of a juvenile and the production of child pornography involving three total juvenile victims in Anchorage.
According to court documents, Alex Asino, 34, was indicted in November 2019 on counts involving child sex trafficking, production and distribution of child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor.
Asino’s conduct came to the attention of the FBI in November 2019. During online communications, Asino told an undercover law enforcement officer he had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female that he met through a social media application. During his communications with the undercover officer, Asino sent images of the 15-year-old victim’s body and face and then directed the officer to a website where Asino had posted sexually explicit images of the victim. Additionally, Asino provided pornographic photos of a third minor victim to the officer along with how much he had paid her to have sex with him.
Asino preyed on his minor victims through online social media applications, such as but not limited to Snapchat, Tagged and Whisper and would meet minor females through pay dating websites. Asino distributed meth, cash, food, gifts and cab fares to minors in exchange for sexual favors. He also posted images of child pornography and personal videos of sexual acts with minors on pornographic websites.
In September 2018, Asino was charged by the State of Alaska for delivering a controlled substance to a minor, sexual abuse of a minor and possession of child pornography. He was subsequently released on bail and placed under house arrest. While on house arrest, Asino continued to engage in the sexual exploitation of at least two additional minor victims.
“The real tragedy in cases like this one is the incalculable damage experienced by the minor victims,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr., District of Alaska. “While nothing can erase that harm, this lengthy sentence ensures that vulnerable girls in our community will be protected from Asino’s predations for many years.”
“The defendant’s disturbing pattern of committing sexual exploitation crimes against child victims is abhorrent,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI is committed to working alongside federal, state, and local partners to identify, and hold accountable, those who abuse and exploit children in Alaska.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Anchorage Police Department (APD) investigated the case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Federal Jury Convicts Anchorage Man on Murder and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – Following a three-week trial in U.S. District Court, a federal jury convicted an Anchorage man on charges of murder in furtherance of a continuing criminal enterprise, using a firearm to commit murder in a drug trafficking crime, drug conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Matthew Wilson Moi, aka “Matt Matt,” 36, was involved in a drug trafficking enterprise that operated in Alaska between January 2017 and October 2019. The enterprise arranged for packages of multiple kilograms of heroin and methamphetamine to be sent from California to Alaska via the U.S. Postal Service to various addresses in the Anchorage area. The drugs were then re-packaged for sale and further distribution by other members and associates of the drug ring. In 2018, Moi began directing operations in Alaska, including coordinating distribution of narcotics through the mail, while other co-conspirators arranged for shipments from California. The enterprise also laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds through deposits into financial institutions, wire transfers, and bulk cash smuggling from Alaska to other parts of the country.
In April 2019, the enterprise mailed a package of heroin to the Anchorage residence of Navarrow Andrews. After Moi and other co-conspirators spent several days attempting to recover the package without success, Moi concluded that Andrews had stolen it. On April 8, 2019, Moi shot and killed Andrews in an Anchorage alley for stealing the drugs. Moi then fled Alaska, first to Louisiana and then to Los Angeles, where he continued to assist the drug ring with the direction and shipment of narcotic packages to Alaska. In September 2019, federal agents intercepted a shipment of five kilograms of heroin destined for Wasilla. Through a coordinated series of operations, law enforcement arrested co-conspirators in Alaska, California and Florida.
“Drug trafficking is truly one of the great scourges of the modern world,” said U.S. Attorney John Kuhn of the District of Alaska. “Not only do drug traffickers destroy the lives of their customers with their addictive and deadly products, but those like Mr. Moi engage in violent acts and murder as part of their trade. This conviction finally puts an end to a prolific and highly dangerous drug trafficking operation. I commend the federal agencies and the Anchorage Police Department for their investigative work and our prosecutors for securing these convictions.”
“Matthew Wilson Moi and his criminal enterprise of dangerous drug traffickers were pushing potentially lethal drugs and brought violence to the communities in Anchorage,” said Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent-in- Charge DEA Seattle Field Division. “This conviction sends a strong message that the DEA and law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to drive down drug-related violence through coordinated enforcement operations and hold those predatory drug traffickers responsible for causing the most harm in our communities.”
“The shipment of illegal narcotics has no place in the US Postal Service and the State of Alaska. The conviction of Moi removes a dangerous criminal from the streets and provides closure to the family of his victim,” said Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti. “The US Postal Inspection Service will continue to aggressively investigate those who use the US Mail in support of their criminal activities. We thank our state, local and federal partners for their support and efforts in this investigation.”
“Unfortunately, no community is immune to the dangers of drug trafficking. This trial has shed additional light on the utter greed and brutality of those engaged in selling heroin and laundering its proceeds,” said Special Agent in Charge Bret Kressin, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI), Seattle Field Office. “IRS:CI will not stand idly by while drug trafficking continues to irreparably harm our communities. We continue to stand with our law enforcement partners in our efforts to eradicate and dismantle violent drug trafficking organizations by exercising our expertise in tracing the ill-gotten gains of drug traffickers like Mr. Moi.”
“Ultimately this case came to fruition with the help of our partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Alaska State Troopers,” said Anchorage Police Chief Michael Kerle. “Due to the many hours of work put in by all involved, the person responsible has been brought to justice.”
Co-conspirators in the drug enterprise included:
- Jordan Jerome Shanholtzer aka “Two-3 or 23,” 34, pleaded guilty to managing a continuing criminal enterprise and is awaiting sentencing.
- Kenneth Antonio Kiare Ford, aka “Keyes,” 31, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
- Myrick Anthoni Elliott, 36, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison.
- Isaiah Michael Roderick, aka “Izzy”, 22, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
- Marvin Nelson, aka “Unc or Old School,” 57, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and IRS Criminal Investigation, investigated the case, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Anchorage Police Department and the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Klugman and Kelly Cavanaugh prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Anchorage Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Sex Trafficking MinorsRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A Lebanese national was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason to 13 years in prison for sex trafficking minors.
According to court documents, Nicola William Mongo, 23, of Anchorage sex trafficked at least two minors ages 14 and 17 who did not have housing or support in Anchorage.
Beginning in 2019, Mongo and several other individuals required the victims to go on “dates” where they would perform sex acts for money. They made the victims advertise on websites for online escort services and Mongo provided protection and transportation to and from the “dates” collecting some of the money they received. The 17-year-old victim, who had development disabilities, was so manipulated that she believed Mongo was her boyfriend and would do anything for him. If the victims did not want to go on “dates,” Mongo became angry and at times would hit them in the face. He was often armed with a firearm when transporting the victims and would provide them with condoms and lubricant when taking them to the “dates.”
Mongo pleaded guilty to the charge of sex trafficking minors in February 2021 after being indicted on the charge in June 2020. Tristan Grant and Davon Smith were also involved in sex trafficking these minors and were previously sentenced.
“Using minors in a sex trafficking operation requires a horrifying degree of selfishness and indifference toward vulnerable victims,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “It is among the most depraved crimes on the books, and we and our law enforcement partners will do everything we can to bring offenders like Mr. Mongo to justice.”
“The defendant preyed upon vulnerable youth in Alaska, and cruelly trafficked them for his own profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “With a victim-centered approach, the FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to identify and hold human traffickers accountable.”
The FBI and the Anchorage Police Department investigated this case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Ebell prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Anchorage Man Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was sentenced to 69 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Kindred for possession and distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents, Shannon Robert Bell, 56, knowingly possessed, accessed and distributed child pornography involving prepubescent minors (minors who have not attained 12 years of age). In his plea agreement, Bell admitted to posting images and videos depicting child sexual exploitation involving children as young as age six approximately 100 times during the past few years as well as being a moderator of a Kik group focused on incest.
The case originated during an investigation by the Kansas City Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into a private, invitation-only, Kik chat group created by a pedophile. During the course of the investigation, Bell engaged in chats with an undercover FBI agent detailing his long-standing involvement with child pornography. The case was handed over to the FBI’s Anchorage division when the IP address confirmed that Bell lived in Anchorage. Following the execution of a search warrant of Bell’s home, Bell admitted that he had been chatting online for a number of years including using the Kik application on a cellular phone.
Bell was involved with child pornography while working as an onsite clinical therapist treating emotionally troubled youth primarily between the ages of 13 and 17 who were struggling with pornography and sex addiction issues. As part of his sentencing Bell was ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release and pay $5,000 in restitution and a $3,000 fine under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act (AVAA).
“The distribution of child pornography re-victimizes the innocent children who were initially exploited to create the images and videos,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr of the District of Alaska. “Mr. Bell’s substantial sentence reflects the serious harm of this crime. I commend the FBI, Anchorage Police Department and our federal prosecutor for their work on this case.”
“At the same time the defendant was acting as a counselor for vulnerable youth, he was also perpetuating the online sexual abuse of children, making his conduct particularly disgraceful,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to root out predators and protect Alaska’s youth from harm.”
The FBI and Anchorage Police Department investigated this case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Kivalina Man Sentenced for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS – A former substitute teacher from Kivalina, Alaska, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline for soliciting nude photos and sex from multiple girls ages 11 to 16 years old.
According to court documents, while Jayson Knox, aka “Birdie,” 23, was a substitute teacher at the Kivalina school, he used social media and text messages to contact 10 young girls asking them for nude photos and to meet up with him to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Knox persisted in his behavior even after being confronted by some of the victims or their family members. He admitted that he was particularly attracted to underaged girls because he thought it was easier to get them to have sex. In addition to asking for nude photos, Knox also sent explicit photos of himself to several of the girls. Knox became the subject of a federal investigation when the Alaska State Troopers contacted the FBI concerning allegations that Knox had engaged in inappropriate conduct with minors in Kivalina. Knox pleaded guilty to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor in September 2021.
“Child predators like Knox are every parent’s nightmare,” said John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “Fortunately, this sentence will protect the community for years to come. I commend our prosecutor, the FBI and the Alaska State Troopers for their excellent work in securing this conviction and sentence.”
“In his position of trust, the defendant sexually exploited innocent children, and betrayed his entire community in the process,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Whether it’s an urban area or a small coastal village on an island, the FBI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable anyone who seeks to harm children.”
“Child sexual exploitation is a problem in all of Alaska, but thanks to the dedication of skilled investigators and coordination with our federal and local partners, offenders such as Mr. Knox are being brought to justice,” said Alaska State Trooper Capt. Andrew Gorn, Commander of the Alaska Bureau of Investigation. “There is no place in society for these acts on children and we will continue to vigorously pursue those who perpetuate these crimes.”
The FBI and the Alaska State Troopers investigated the case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Doty prosecuted the case.
This investigation is part of the Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement (RAAVEN) Working Group’s ongoing efforts to build the capacity of federal, state, and tribal law enforcement in rural Alaska. The RAAVEN Working Group, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, encourages extensive collaboration among law enforcement at all levels, rural communities, Alaska Native groups, victim service organizations, and care providers. Current law enforcement members of the working group include the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO), State of Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS), State of Alaska Department of Law (DOL), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), FBI, DEA, ATF, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the Anchorage Police Department (APD).
The investigation is also part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visitwww.justice.gov/psc
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Dating Abuse Impacts Millions of Teens Every YearRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – Dating abuse impacts millions of teens and young people every year. According to loveisrespect.org, one in three teens in the United States will experience physical, sexual or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before they become adults and 43% of college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAPM), a time to raise awareness about this all-too-common issue, focus efforts on ending the violence, and share resources for teens experiencing violence, survivors and their communities.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Alaska is proud to share a new resource: the Teens and Technology Resource Series which is funded by the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). Misuse of technology is an increasingly common tactic by harmful partners. The Teens and Technology resources aim to help adults who teach, work with, and care for teenagers understand technology from their perspective to empower teenagers to safely navigate relationships and technology use. These resources include examples of technology abuse, uses and misuses of social media applications, and five ways to engage with young people.
“Valentine’s Day is the day we celebrate romance, and we naturally think of romance as a beautiful, blissful, benign and healthy feature of our lives,” said District of Alaska U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. “Unfortunately, the terrible reality for too many teens can include relationships fraught with abuse. Families and adults must do more to help our teens foster safe and healthy relationships.”
“The pandemic has made everything more challenging – for children and youth, advocates across the country have reported an uptick in online abuse as younger folks spend more time spent online,” said OVW Principal Deputy Director Allison Randall. “The Teens and Tech Resource Series can help adults meaningfully engage with young people, empowering them to recognize abuse and unhealthy relationships, prevent future violence, and use technology safely. Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month gives us the opportunity to put a spotlight on these projects, as well as OVW’s year-round commitment to ending dating violence.”
The District of Alaska’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Working Group has also heard concerns about teen dating violence and prevention from tribal people and stakeholder provider agencies during listening and consultation sessions across many parts of Alaska. In the last year, the MMIP Working Group reached out and provided an opportunity for listening/consultation sessions to 170 of the 229 Alaska Federally Recognized Tribes as well as education and outreach presentations and forums to all of Alaska’s Tribes. “Fostering healthy relationships in teens and across generations is so important,” added Kuhn. “We must all work together using these tools to encourage and empower teens to develop healthy relationships and eliminate teen dating violence across Alaska.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking, there are many services available to help, including:
- Teen Dating Abuse Hotline, 1-866-331-9474, text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522, or visit loveisrespect.org
- The StrongHearts Native Helpline, which offers online chat on their website and a hotline – at 1-844-7NATIVE (or 1-844-762-8483) and provides culturally-appropriate services and advocacy to American Indian and Alaska Native survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence.
Alaska Resources:
- Alaska 2-1-1 or www.alaska211.org is a one-stop resource for finding help in your community. It’s free, confidential and available in almost any language. Call Center hours are Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5:30pm.
- Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (ANDVSA) provides a state-wide list of resources and contact information for domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy services including shelters. https://andvsa.org/find-help/member-programs/
- Covenant House Alaska supports homeless or at-risk youth 907 272 1255 or www.covenanthouseak.org
- Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living www.iacnvl.org Confidential help available 24/7 at 907-452-2293 or toll-free at 1-800-478-7273
- The Alaska Native Justice Center (ANJC) promotes justice through culturally based advocacy, prevention and intervention services to restore dignity, respect and humanity to all Alaska Native people. https://anjc.org/
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Background for Editors:
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) Safety Net Project developed the Teens and Tech Resource Series in partnership with eleven24, a teen violence prevention program dedicated to reducing the prevalence of relationship abuse and sexual violence through media literacy and identity affirmation.
The Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw
Juneau Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
JUNEAU – A Juneau man was sentenced to more than six years in prison by U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess for illegally possessing a firearm. During the sentencing Judge Burgess noted the defendant’s significant prior history involving violence against others and the seriousness of this offense endangering the officer and others.
According to court documents, Pharoah Akhenaten, aka Curtis Burchfield, 41, pulled a firearm on a Juneau police officer in an effort to stop his arrest on an underlying warrant. Due to prior felony convictions punishable by more than one year in prison, Akhenaten is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On October 22, 2019, a Juneau police officer observed Akhenaten in a vehicle with a female passenger where there had been reports of suspicious activity involving the vehicle earlier in the evening. The officer contacted Akhenaten to confirm his identity. During this contact Akhenaten pretended to have a diabetic condition and got out of the vehicle indicating he was going to throw up. The officer was advised that Akhenaten had an active arrest warrant. He vigorously resisted the officer’s attempt to place him under arrest, spinning into the officer’s face and pushing the officer backwards onto the ground. Akhenaten then began advancing towards the officer on the ground with what appeared, and later confirmed, to be a firearm. The officer was able to discharge a taser hitting Akhenaten who then got back into his car and started it. Additional officers arrived on scene and arrested Akhenaten who was wearing an empty holster. The officers found a firearm loaded and chambered in the vehicle floorboard.
“Pursuing and prosecuting violent offenders is one of the highest priorities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr., for the District of Alaska. “And anyone who attacks or endangers law enforcement officers as they work to keep the public safe will face severe penalties, as reflected by this substantial sentence.”
The Juneau Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Wasilla Doctor Sentenced for Illegal Prescriptions that Resulted in Five DeathsRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A Wasilla, Alaska, medical doctor was sentenced in federal court by Chief U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason to 34 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and fined $25,000 for illegally dispensing and distributing controlled substances to patients in his medical practice at the Camelot Family Health Clinic.
According to court documents, David Chisholm, 64, illegally prescribed his patients thousands of pills of highly addictive controlled substances, including oxycodone, methadone, hydrocodone, morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, hydromorphone and buprenorphine. An extensive undercover investigation revealed that Chisholm routinely distributed the controlled substances without administering a medical exam and without a legitimate medical purpose. He also did not develop pain management plans for his patients and his record keeping was virtually non-existent.
Between January 2014 and October 2019, Chisholm wrote 20,524 prescriptions to approximately 350 patients amounting to nearly 2 million total dosage units of various opioids including more than 7,500 prescriptions for oxycodone, 3,600 prescriptions for methadone and 1,300 prescriptions for hydrocodone. Chisholm frequently wrote numerous prescriptions to patients under multiple variations of their names, allowing them to continue to refill their drugs without raising red flags from Medicare or their private insurance. At one point Chisholm’s practices became so egregious that Walmart refused to continue filling prescriptions he had written. In response, he instructed his staff to tell patients to go to other pharmacies. Chisholm often prescribed combinations of medications, including concurrent opioids, benzodiazepines, sedatives and carisoprodol. These combinations increased the likelihood of drug abuse and overdose among his patients. As part of the plea agreement, Chisholm acknowledged that his prescriptions were a significant contributing factor in the overdose deaths of five of his patients between 2016 and 2018.
“Dr. Chisholm’s reckless conduct reflects a shocking disregard for the welfare of his patients. Nothing can excuse his opioid prescribing practices in light of what is today universally understood about the risks of opioid use disorder and opioid overdose,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “The United States Attorney’s Office, DEA, and FBI – together with our state and local partners – will investigate and prosecute any medical professional who jeopardizes the health and safety of patients with opioids and other addictive substances.”
“Dr. Chisholm intentionally distributed highly addictive and potentially lethal dosages and quantities of opioids to his patients,” said Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Seattle Field Division. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message that the DEA and law enforcement partners will fight the opioid epidemic through coordinated enforcement operations targeting medical professionals like Dr. Chisholm who betray their profession and use their prescription pads to further addiction and add fuel to the opioid epidemic.”
Chisholm pleaded guilty in June 2021 and is required to surrender his Alaska State medical license.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Wasilla Police and the Alaska State Board of Pharmacy investigated this case as part of the Alaska Health Care Fraud Task Force (AHCFTF), a partnership of local, state, federal, and private agencies focused on the investigation of health care fraud, waste, and abuse in Alaska or affecting Alaskan interests. For more information and how to report health care fraud, please visit the FBI’s AHCFTF website: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/anchorage/alaska-health-care-fraud-task-force
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Schroeder prosecuted the case.
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Four Sentenced for Bribery and Scheme to Defraud VA and SBARead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – Four Anchorage individuals involved in a bribery and fraud scheme to obtain Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) government contracts with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have been sentenced in federal court.
Donald Garner, 50, owner of Veteran Ability, was a government contractor who provided various services to the U.S. government, including the VA in Anchorage. Richard Vaughan, 74, worked at the Anchorage VA as a contract officer representative responsible for awarding and managing numerous contracts for the VA, including a $700,000 SDVOSB contract to perform snow removal services at the Anchorage VA.
Between 2015 and 2017, Garner directed his bookkeeper Yalonda Moore, 52, to deliver more than $29,000 in bribe payments to Vaughan. In exchange, Vaughan gave preferential treatment to Garner by selecting Veteran Ability to complete dozens of “purchase card” jobs at the Anchorage VA, totaling more than $100,000. Vaughan also approved numerous invoices submitted by Garner related to the snow removal contract for work that was either unnecessary or never actually performed, causing the government an estimated $347,000 in losses.
Garner and Vaughan each pleaded guilty to one count of bribery involving a public official and were sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. They must also pay $347,000 in restitution to the VA.
Additionally, between 2014 and 2016, Dale Johnson, 50, owner of ADALECO General LLC, conspired with Garner to perpetrate a “pass-through” scheme in which Johnson allowed Garner to use ADALECO’s name to bid on and obtain SDVOSB set-aside contracts for which Garner’s company was not eligible, including the VA snow removal contract. Although ADALECO was expected to perform the work, Garner’s company illegally assumed control of the contract and received the majority of the profits. In return, Garner paid Johnson a percentage of the contract as a kickback, totaling $54,302.
Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $54,302 in restitution.
The FBI and the VA Office of the Inspector General began investigating Garner, Vaughan, and Johnson in 2016. During that investigation, Moore, who worked as a bookkeeper for both Veteran Ability and ADALECO, intentionally obstructed the government’s investigation by tipping off Garner about the FBI’s investigation plans. Prior to that Moore had been purporting to cooperate with the government’s investigation. Moore recently pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to three years’ probation.
“The bribery and fraud scheme by these defendants not only cheated the government, but simultaneously diverted work from eligible, law-abiding service-disabled veterans,” said John E. Kuhn, Jr. U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute every unlawful attempt to corrupt the government contracting process and will work to ensure that no one profits from such efforts.”
“At the expense of U.S. taxpayers, these individuals traded their integrity for greed, and undermined the VA’s efforts to lawfully contract with service-disabled veteran-owned businesses in Alaska,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn Peters of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Dismantling criminal enterprises involving bribery and corruption will always be a priority for the FBI, and together with our law enforcement partners, we will hold those accountable who take part in such schemes.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General, the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General, and the General Services Administration Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Tansey prosecuted the case.
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Note to Editors:
- Garner case: 3:19-cr-00120-SLG-DMS
- Vaughan case: 3:19-cr-00120-SLG-DMS
- Johnson case: 4:19-cr-00018-RRB-SAO
- Moore case: 3:21-cr-00084-JMK-MMS
The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government responsible for aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small business concerns. The SBA and VA administer a program to award SDVOSB contracts which can only be awarded to small businesses owned and controlled by qualified Service-Disabled Veterans (SDVs)
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) is a small business that is 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran. Through the SDVOSB, the federal government aims to award at least three percent of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs each year. Competition is limited for certain federal contract opportunities to businesses that participate in the SDVOSB program.
More information about veteran assistance programs can be found here: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/veteran-assistance-programs#section-header-11
Anchorage Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy M. Burgess for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on July 31, 2020 Ronald Fetuao Maefau, 45, drove a car to an Anchorage apartment complex and began firing multiple rounds into one of the units. He then proceeded to drive away. Later the same day, APD made a traffic stop of the car used in the apartment shooting and took the driver, Maefau, in for questioning. After obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle, law enforcement found a Glock pistol in the glove compartment, .45 ammunition and multiple spent .45 caliber cartridge casings. A trace on the firearm indicated that it had been reported stolen. Maefau had multiple prior felony convictions, including attempted murder, which made it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
Maefau pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in March 2021.
“Congress made it a crime for convicted felons to possess firearms in order to keep guns away from persons determined to be potentially dangerous,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn Jr., of the District of Alaska. “Maefau’s violent criminal history and recent dangerous conduct shooting a gun into a dwelling illustrate for all of us the importance of enforcing this offense. I commend the ATF, the Anchorage Police Department and our prosecutor for their efforts to protect Alaskans.”
“The callousness of Mr. Maefau’s actions clearly warrant this sentence,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “The rounds he fired could have killed anyone – man, woman or child. Thankfully, through the use of Anchorage Police Department’s NIBIN system we were able to definitively tie Mr. Maefau to this shooting. This sentence will make Anchorage’s streets safer.”
“Good police work led to the apprehension of Mr. Maefau,” said Anchorage Chief of Police Kenneth McCoy. “This is an example of how the Anchorage Police Department and our federal partners are working to keep Anchorage citizens safe.”
The Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Vandergaw prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Anchorage Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Minors, Child Pornography and Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was sentenced today to 35 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release by Senior U. S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline on five counts of sex trafficking minors, three counts of production of child pornography and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms. In handing down the sentence, Judge Beistline noted the defendant’s complete lack of respect for the law as well as the absence of any remorse or empathy for the victims whom he controlled and were significantly damaged by his conduct.
According to court documents, between October and December 2018, Tristan Jamal Grant, aka “Goo,” 35, conspired with another person to traffic two minors, a 15-year-old female and a 17-year-old female. Both minors were runaways who stayed with Grant at his co-conspirator’s apartment. While at the apartment, they created online advertisements that were used to market the minors. Grant then trafficked his victims by persuading them to perform sex acts for money; serving as protection for the minors; and driving one of the minors to a date to perform commercial sex acts. Additionally, Grant produced child pornography with one of the minors on two separate occasions.
Grant was arrested by Anchorage Police Department following a shooting on December 12, 2018. When arrested Grant was in possession of two weapons. Because Grant had previously been convicted of a felony, possession of those guns was illegal.
Grant remained in custody and was indicted by a federal grand jury. He escaped from custody during a court ordered release to meet with his attorney at the attorney’s office. Grant was captured and later sentenced to three years of imprisonment for charges relating to his escape, which he will serve consecutively to the above sentence. Grant was convicted of the charges following a bench trial in April 2021.
“The sex trafficking of minors is a horrific crime, often wreaking terrible physical and emotional harm upon vulnerable victims,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “The facts in this case reflect an unfathomable disregard for the welfare of the minors involved. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to bring to justice anyone who exploits children, and we will seek fitting punishments to deter this tragic crime and protect the most vulnerable members of our society.”
“Tristan Grant used violent, manipulative means to force minors into performing commercial sex acts, while at the same time producing CSAM online and terrorizing our communities with other egregious acts of violence,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn Peters of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “His conduct caused immeasurable harm to the survivors and to the community of Anchorage, and for that, he will now spend over 35 years in federal prison. The FBI is grateful for our collaborative partnerships across the state as we continue to combat violent crime and crimes against Alaska’s youth.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Anchorage Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, working together through the FBI’s Safe Streets/Crimes Against Children/Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children through sex trafficking, as well as to identify and recover victims.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visitwww.justice.gov/psc.
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Alaska Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Threatening U.S. SenatorsRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS – A Delta Junction, Alaska, man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to two counts of threatening to murder a U.S. official, specifically Alaska’s two U.S. Senators.
According to court documents, Jay Allen Johnson, 65, left a voicemail message on September 2, 2021, at the Washington D.C. office of Senator Lisa Murkowski containing several threats, including a threat to “burn” the Senator’s properties. The investigation revealed that the call originated in Delta Junction from a cellular telephone number linked to Johnson. On September 29, Johnson left another voicemail threatening to hire an assassin to kill the U.S. Senator. Johnson also left threatening voicemail messages for Senator Dan Sullivan between April 2021 and September 2021, including one in which he threatened to get his “.50 caliber out,” hold a “GoFundMe page for the …shells,” and to come “with a vengeance mother*cker.” In total, Johnson admitted to leaving 17 threatening voicemails for the two Senators over a five-month period and said that the messages were intended to retaliate against the Senators for performing their official duties.
As part of the plea agreement, Johnson has agreed to the issuance of a three-year federal protective order following his release from federal prison. The protective order will prohibit Johnson from contacting either U.S. Senator, their family or staff members. Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for each charge as well as forfeiture of seven firearms, which the FBI discovered in Johnson’s residence during execution of a search warrant. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Threatening public officials in an attempt to interfere with the performance of their duties is antithetical to our democratic system of governance,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “To protect the functions of our government institutions and our public officials themselves, the Department of Justice will work to ensure our elected officials can serve without fear of harm.
“The FBI remains steadfast in addressing threats in our communities, including violent threats made against those who are performing their official duties,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn Peters of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “This case underscores the swift efforts by the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners as we worked together to address these threats before any potential acts of violence occurred.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Capitol Police are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Tansey is prosecuting the case.
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Anchorage Man Sentenced to over 23 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Kindred to 285 months in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for sex trafficking and drug offenses.
Davon Smith, 29, was found guilty by a federal jury in August this year on three counts of sex trafficking and one count of drug distribution. The trial lasted six days and the jury reached its verdicts after one day of deliberation.
According to court documents, Smith, was charged with one count of sex trafficking a minor, one count of benefitting from a sex trafficking enterprise, one count of sex trafficking an adult by force, fraud or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. According to evidence presented at trial, he trafficked an adult and a runaway juvenile victim in early 2019. Smith had a previous felony drug conviction and was on federal supervised release at the time he committed the offenses. His total sentence represented 22 years for substantive offenses plus 21 months for committing those offenses while on supervised release.
“It is impossible to overstate the trauma done by trafficking minors and other vulnerable persons,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. “And trafficking deadly opioids unleashes other terrible harms. By working so hard to see that justice was done in this case, the FBI, Anchorage Police Department, and the prosecutors of the U.S. Attorney’s Office have made Alaska safer.”
“Through manipulation and abuse, the defendant coerced adults and minors to perform commercial sex acts for his own financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “With a victim-centered approach, the FBI and our partners on the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, will continue investigating and holding accountable those who commit such reprehensible crimes.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Anchorage Police Department investigated the case. The task force marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children through sex trafficking, as well as to identify and recover victims.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Ivers and Adam Alexander prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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John E. Kuhn, Jr. Appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed John Kuhn as U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska effective December 26, 2021, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546.
Kuhn most recently served with the Executive Office for United States Attorneys since 2018 in various roles, including National Heroin and Opioid Coordinator, National Controlled Substances Coordinator, and Acting Assistant Director in the Office of Legal Programs.
“I’m honored to serve as the United States Attorney in the great state of Alaska. The dedicated prosecutors and staff in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska are some of the best in the nation, and together we will continue to fulfill our mission, protecting the people of Alaska and the interests of the United States.”
Before joining the Executive Office, Kuhn served as United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky for nearly three years, from December 2014 to September 2017. During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Kuhn was deeply engaged in combatting the opioid crisis, developing a number of effective initiatives and programs. Before he became U.S. Attorney, Kuhn served for more than four years as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, supervising the Criminal, Civil, Appellate, and Administrative Divisions of the Office.
Kuhn has more than 31 years of legal experience and 24 years with the Department of Justice. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in both the Civil and Criminal Divisions of the Western District of Kentucky U.S. Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted narcotics, violent crime, and white-collar offenses. In addition to his extensive trial work, Kuhn argued appeals before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and served as a hearing officer in Washington, D.C. and New York City for the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund, a federal program established for victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Mr. Kuhn graduated cum laude from the University of Louisville School of Law and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky.
Kuhn replaces former Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, who served in that role since March 1, 2021. Wilson is returning to his role as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney where he has served since November 2017.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ak
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Justice Department Awards More Than $57 Million in Alaska During 2021Read the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – The Department of Justice has awarded more than $57 million in grants to organizations throughout Alaska in support of Victim Services, Public Safety and the coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) initiative in fiscal year 2021.
“Ensuring the safety of our communities is a top priority for the Department of Justice. These investments in Alaska will enable criminal justice officials as well as communities and non-profit organizations to support victims of crime while simultaneously working to prevent crimes,” said Bryan Wilson, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska. “We will continue to work together with our partners to identify and prosecute the drivers of violence while supporting the community’s efforts to prevent violence and support victims.”
The Office of Victim Services (OVC) awarded $34+ million to more than 45 organizations, including 36 tribal communities, to support and enhance local services for victims of crime. Services include advocacy centers, domestic violence and sexual assault shelters, rape crisis centers, human trafficking and elder abuse programs, and transitional housing for victims. It also supports organizations providing training such as the Alaska Tribal Justice Resource Center and multi-disciplinary efforts to fight human trafficking.
In the area of Public Safety, more than $11.7 million was awarded to organizations within Alaska by several grant awarding groups within the Department of Justice. This includes more than $4 million to the Alaska Department of Public Safety in support of forensic science, and several Alaska re-entry focused programs received a combined $2 million. Additionally, Dillingham, Fairbanks and Juneau received a combined $1.4 million for school violence prevention programs.
More than $10.7 million was awarded to 16 tribal organizations through CTAS. In 2010FY the Department of Justice launched the CTAS initiative which combined most of the Department’s available tribal government specific grant programs under one solicitation. Tribal grants funded through the CTAS process help tribes to develop and strengthen tribal justice systems’ response to crime, while significantly increasing programs and services available to them.
For additional information on any of these programs, please visit www.justice.gov/grants
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Kotzebue Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing a MinorRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS – A Kotzebue man was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for charges relating to the repeated sexual abuse of a minor.
According to court documents, Wally Carter, 62, was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021 and pleaded guilty in July to one count of human trafficking. Carter became the subject of a federal investigation in December 2020 when the FBI received a tip alleging a minor had been sexually abused by Carter approximately 15 times between 2015 and 2017. The first instance of sexual abuse occurred when the victim was only 10 years old. As part of his plea, Carter admitted to sexually abusing the minor victim multiple times, giving her money after each instance and often giving her alcohol and marijuana before or after the sexual abuse. The sexual abuse happened in Carter’s home, his vehicle and on one occasion, Carter took her by boat to a cabin, where the victim tried to escape from him at least five times.
“The defendant’s actions are unconscionable and robbed his victim of her trust and innocence at a young age,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska. “This sentence sends a strong message that crimes against children in rural Alaska will not be tolerated and those who perpetrate such crimes will be held accountable.”
“Treating children as sexual commodities is appalling. The FBI will vigorously investigate these matters to protect the most vulnerable among us," said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “This case exemplifies the ongoing efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to combat human trafficking in both urban and rural Alaska, while using a victim-centered approach to vindicate the survivors impacted by these crimes.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) Task Force Officers investigated this case collectively as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers (AST) and Kotzebue Police Department (KPD).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Doty prosecuted the case.
The investigation is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
Under the Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAAVEN), the U.S. Attorney’s Office is increasing engagement, coordination, and action on public safety in Alaska Native communities.
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Anchorage Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Timothy M. Burgess to over seven years in federal prison for possession of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Gian Carol Clemente Pangilinan, 25, was found guilty after a three-day federal jury trial in January 2020.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Anchorage Police Officers (APD) were looking for Pangilinan on July 9, 2019 and found him in the Burger King parking lot near Penland Parkway. Once Pangilinan saw the police, he scaled a fence and fled on foot into the Penland Parkway neighborhood, shedding items of clothing and other personal items along the way including his cellular telephone and a baggie containing 162 grams of 99 percent pure methamphetamine. Despite his attempt to evade law enforcement, APD pursued Pangilinan on foot and took him into custody.
Evidence pulled from Pangilinan’s cell phone, such as text messages and direct messages on social media, established that since December 2018 Pangilinan had been distributing many different types of illegal drugs (including heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine) in quantities ranging from one gram to several ounces. Specifically, individuals would contact Pangilinan via text or direct message on social media asking for different quantities of illegal drugs. Pangilinan would then respond with a price and agree to meet up with them.
The jury also heard evidence of a separate incident that occurred in February 2019, when APD responded to a call of shots fired near the Mountain View car wash. When APD attempted to contact the defendant, he tried to flee on foot. During the chase, Pangilinan again began shedding personal items including his cellular telephone and a baggie of methamphetamine.
At the time of the July 2019 incident, Pangilinan was out on release from the State of Alaska in four pending criminal cases including Vehicle Theft in the First Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Resisting Arrest and Violating Conditions of his Release.
“The defendant couldn’t escape the law, and neither will other dealers wanting to profit from the misery of people addicted to these illegal and deadly drugs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska. “We will continue to work together with law enforcement partners to ensure that drug traffickers are held responsible for the harm they cause in communities across Alaska.”
“Anchorage Police Officers work very hard to keep Anchorage safe and to keep drug trafficking off of our streets. Pangilinan’s arrest helps accomplish both of these goals,” said Anchorage Chief of Police Kenneth McCoy. “We have a strong relationship with our law enforcement partners and we will continue coordinated efforts towards stopping drug trafficking in our city.”
In November 2020 an unsealed indictment charged Gian Carlo Pangilinan with conspiracy, theft of firearms, possession of stolen firearms and tampering with evidence related to the June 6, 2019, burglary of Granny’s Guns, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in Anchorage. Also charged in the indictment are: Muna Junior Rhode, 22, Kao Chiang Saelee, aka “Robbie,” 39, and Hans Mikaele Wells, aka “Mika,” 25.
The Anchorage Police Department (APD), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Cavanaugh prosecuted the case.
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A Las Cruces, New Mexico, Drug Leader Sentenced to 270 Months in Prison for Drug Trafficking in Sitka, AlaskaRead the Press Release
JUNEAU – A Las Cruces, New Mexico woman was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess today to 270 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to the plea agreement, Christina Quintana aka “Lete,” 35, conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of methamphetamine and heroin in Sitka, Alaska and she possessed and discharged a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Beginning about May 2, 2017, and continuing until April 3, 2018, Quintana, along with her co-conspirators Andrea Avalos, Peter Krovina, Porter Treadway, Holly Chambers, Aaron Didrickson and Eric Morisky distributed methamphetamine and heroin in Sitka. Quintana and Avalos, who did not reside in Alaska, were responsible for the transportation and distribution of methamphetamine and heroin as well as coordinating and collecting drug debts. The other members of the conspiracy assisted Quintana and Avalos in their illicit activities. All member of the drug organization possessed firearms to facilitate their drug trafficking activities, as well as to extract retribution against members who owed drug debts. For example, the defendants organized and perpetrated a violent home invasion and robbery where Quintana shot an individual in both legs and Treadway attacked another individual with a claw hammer, to collect a drug debt owed to them. In issuing today’s sentence Chief Judge Burgess said Quintana’s conduct was beyond the pale on that day.
“Illicit narcotics are a cancer in our society and many Southeast Alaska communities have suffered at the hands of this epidemic for years,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska. “The violence committed in this case has shaken the community of Sitka and is one of the worst drug offenses committed in Southeast Alaska in the last few decades.”
“The defendant came to Alaska for the sole financial motivation of trafficking illicit narcotics,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Drug traffickers who believe they can operate with impunity, while bringing poison and violence to Alaska’s communities, will be held accountable by the FBI and our local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement partners.”
“The brazenness of Quintana’s actions clearly warrant this significant sentence,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Olson. “She showed a complete disregard for the law and jeopardized the community as a whole. The removal of Quintana and her co-conspirators from the streets will help make our communities safer.”
Quintana’s co-conspirators also pleaded guilty and have been sentenced:
- Andrea Avalos, aka “Josie,” 25, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to a drug conspiracy charge and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
- Peter Krovina, aka, “Lil’ Pete,” 42, of Sitka pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and firearms charges and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
- Holly Chambers, 28, of Sitka pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charge and was sentenced to time served.
- Aaron Didrickson, 32 of Sitka pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charge and was sentenced to time served.
- Eric Morisky, aka “Curly,” 33, of Juneau pleaded guilty to a drug conspiracy charge and was sentenced to four years in prison.
- Porter Treadway, 39, of Sitka pleaded guilty to a drug conspiracy charge and is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2022.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Sitka Police Department investigated the case with assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Alaska Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAAVEN) initiative’s ongoing efforts to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in Alaska Native communities. The case is also part of Alaska’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and the South East Alaska Cities Against Drugs (SEACAD) task force. HIDTA was established in 2018 to enhance and coordinate efforts among local state and federal law enforcement agencies, providing equipment, technology and additional resources to combat drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of Alaska.
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Canadian Man Charged in Scheme to Commit CyberattacksRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A federal indictment unsealed today charges a Canadian national with committing cyberattacks.
According to court documents, Matthew Philbert, 31, of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, conspired with others known and unknown to the United States to damage computers, and in the course of that conspiracy did damage a computer belonging to the State of Alaska in April 2018.
In a separate and parallel investigation, the Canadian authorities today also announced cybercrime charges against Philbert. He was arrested on Nov 30, 2021, by Ontario Provincial Police where he remains in custody.
“Today’s unsealed indictment is a great example of the importance of international partnerships to combat the evolving and growing threat of cybercrimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska. “Cybercriminals are a dangerous threat and together with our law enforcement partners, we will use all our available resources to bring cybercriminals who target Alaskans to justice, wherever they are.”
“Cyber criminals are opportunistic and will target any business or individual they identify as vulnerable. The OPP continues to demonstrate its ability to seamlessly collaborate on integrated police investigations to combat cybercrimes and other illegal activities.” Deputy Commissioner Chuck Cox, Provincial Commander, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Investigations and Organized Crime
Philbert is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and related activity in connection with computers and one count of fraud and related activity in connection with computers. This indictment in the District of Alaska is part of an ongoing national effort by the Department of Justice to address cybercrimes that target U.S. citizens from abroad.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska, and Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant Attorney General Polite and Acting U.S. Attorney Wilson thanked the Canadian and Dutch authorities for their assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander and Trial Attorney Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) 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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Canadian Man Charged with Scheme to Commit CyberattacksRead the Press Release
A federal indictment unsealed today in Alaska charges a Canadian national with committing cyberattacks.
According to court documents, Matthew Philbert, 31, of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, conspired to and did damage a computer belonging to the State of Alaska in April 2018.
In a separate and parallel investigation, the Canadian authorities today also announced cyber charges against Philbert. He was arrested on Nov. 30 by Ontario Provincial Police where he remains in custody.
Philbert is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and related activity in connection with computers and one count of fraud and related activity in connection with computers. This indictment in the District of Alaska is part of an ongoing national effort by the Department of Justice to address cybercrimes that target U.S. citizens from abroad.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska, and Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant Attorney General Polite, Acting U.S. Attorney Wilson and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jung thanked the Canadian and Dutch authorities for their assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander and Trial Attorney Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section 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.
Two Men Indicted for Dumping Oily Substance in Chugach National ForestRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A federal grand jury in Anchorage returned an indictment charging two men from Seward, Alaska, with disposing of fifteen 55-gallon drums of an oily substance at the Granite Creek Recreation Area in the Chugach National Forest and causing the contents to leak.
According to court documents, James Withrow, 56, and Bruce Jackson, aka “Bruce Baker,” 66, removed seventeen 55-gallon drums from Jackson’s property in Seward on May 31, 2018, and placed them on a tractor trailer being driven by Withrow. The two men then drove to Anchorage. The next day, on June 1, Withrow drove the tractor trailer off the Seward Highway down a marked “No Dumping” “No Public Access” road at approximately mile 62 of the Seward Highway. He then parked and dumped fifteen of the seventeen 55-gallon drums onto the property of the U.S. Forest Service contaminating the ground with the oily contents causing damages of approximately $80,000. Additionally, on June 7, 2018, Withrow made false statements about the disposal of the oily substance to a U.S. Forest Service Special Agent.
The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearance on December 13 at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon of the U.S. District Court of Alaska. If convicted, Withrow could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and Jackson could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska made the announcement.
The U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steve Skrocki and Charisse Arce 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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Anchorage Couple Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Drugs and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – Two people were sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to federal prison for distributing drugs and money laundering.
May Saelee, aka “The First Lady,” 47, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. She pleaded guilty in August 2019 to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges. Saelee’s husband, Cher Vang, aka “The President,” 47, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Vang pleaded guilty in July 2019 to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges. The couple was arrested in August 2018 as part of a months-long federal investigation into a drug ring operating out of Mountain View.
According to court documents, between August 2011 and 2018, Saelee and Vang distributed methamphetamine from their home and other locations in Anchorage. Through multiple drug sales during this seven-year period, they sold more than 306 grams of actual methamphetamine. The couple then used the proceeds of their drug sales to purchase various items including jewelry and personal property. Additionally, between March 2015 and August 2018, Saelee and Vang structured bank deposits totaling more than $150,000 into their accounts to avoid federal banking requirements and to conceal that the source of the money was from drug proceeds.
As part of the plea agreement, Saelee and Vang will forfeit to the United States any property derived from their illegal activities including but not limited to: jewelry, money, guns and personal property.
“With today’s sentencing, we have put an end to another drug trafficking ring responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in Anchorage and the surrounding area,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “These dangerous drugs are destructive poisons that threaten the health and safety of our communities. We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to ensure that drug traffickers are held responsible for the harm they cause.”
“Drug trafficking and money laundering cause immense harm to our communities,” said Bret Kressin, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “IRS-CI will continue to use our expertise to investigate those who knowingly traffic these damaging substances and will continue to bring these individuals to justice.”
The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Alaska State Troopers (AST) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephan Collins prosecuted the case.
This case is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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