Anchorage, Alaska – United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced that after deliberating two hours, a federal jury in Anchorage found a man guilty of one count of drug-trafficking conspiracy and one count of attempting to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, with the intent to distribute.

On February 10, 2011, Ricky Alan Reese, 52, of Anchorage, Alaska, was tried before United States District Judge H. Russel Holland.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig M. Warner, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Reese was apprehended after being identified by law enforcement as the intended recipient of 23 pounds of methamphetamine. The drugs were intercepted by a Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force while they were being smuggled into Alaska. Reese was then recorded as he negotiated to receive the methamphetamine in exchange for a down payment of $100,000. Shortly thereafter, Reese arrived at the meeting he had negotiated and took possession of a sealed box after paying $100,000 in stacked cash.

Judge Holland scheduled sentencing for April 22, 2011. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years, and a fine of $8 million, or both. Additionally, Reese must forfeit $99,950, a 2006 Chevrolet truck, a vacuum sealer, a money counter, two digital scales, and a ballistic vest.

Ms. Loeffler commended the DEA Task Force and extensive cooperation with the Alaska State Troopers and the Anchorage Police Department, and credited the inter-agency effort with achieving the largest seizure of methamphetamine in Alaska history and the conviction of Reese.

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