Fairbanks Man Sentenced to 110 Months

Anchorage, Alaska-U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that a man from Fairbanks, Alaska was sentenced in federal court in Fairbanks for possession of powder and cocaine base ("crack") with the intent to distribute.

Benjamin Dewayne Smith, age 37, from Fairbanks, Alaska was sentenced on Wednesday, July 9, 2014, by United States District Court Judge Sharon L. Gleason, at the United States District Courthouse in  Fairbanks.  Smith received a sentence of 110 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release for his conviction of possession of powder and cocaine base ("crack") with intent to distribute.

A residence located at 660 Wilcox Street in Fairbanks, Alaska was searched by federal law enforcement agents in January 2012, pursuant to a federal search warrant.  During the search of the residence, law enforcement found 434 grams of marijuana, 215 grams of powder cocaine, and 62 grams of cocaine base ("crack").  Law enforcement also found other items in the residence consistent with drug distribution.  It was later discovered that this apartment was used by Smith as a "trap house" where he would store illegal narcotics; he also used the apartment as a hub for his distribution activity.

Smith has two prior felony convictions with the State of Alaska for distribution of controlled substances and one prior felony conviction for possession of cocaine.

Before imposing a sentence, Judge Gleason commented that drug distribution crimes harm many individuals in the community and they should be taken seriously.  She also noted that she hoped that members of the community would be aware of the lengthy sentence she intended to give Smith, and hoped that would serve as a deterrent to others in the community that may choose to engage in similar behavior as Smith.  

            Ms. Loeffler commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fairbanks Police Department, and the Alaska State Troopers for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mr. Smith.