Anchorage, Alaska B U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that a North Pole man was sentenced in federal court in Fairbanks for one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. 

Ivan Laurence, 41, from Fairbanks, Alaska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline to 108 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Cavanaugh in November 2011, Laurence's home in North Pole was searched by Alaska State Troopers, North Pole Police, and Drug Enforcement Agents.  Inside the home law enforcement agents found over 19 grams of actual methamphetamine and over $20,000 in cash, as well as packaging materials, scales, and other items indicative of distribution of methamphetamine.

Judge Beistline was concerned about distribution of methamphetamine in the community and wanted his sentence to deter Mr. Laurence, as well as others in the community that may distribute methamphetamine.  Judge Beistline made several comments about methamphetamine being a "poison" in the community and expressed concern for the parents of the drug addicts in the community that had been supplied by Mr. Laurence.

Ms. Loeffler commends the Alaska State Troopers, North Pole Police, and Drug Enforcement Agency for the investigation of this case.

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