Anchorage, Alaska – United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today, January 4, 2012, that on December 29, and 30, 2011, Alex Kurth, Justin Shepard, and Shane Tufford, all residents of Fairbanks, Alaska, were sentenced in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone in Fairbanks and to launder proceeds from the drug conspiracy.

Kurth was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release for his role in the drug conspiracy. His sentence will run consecutive to his separate conviction in State of Alaska case 4FA-10-5083, where on November 29, 2011, Kurth was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with 2.5 years suspended, 2.5 years to serve and 3 years supervised release for selling oxycodone and heroin.

Shepard was sentenced to 67 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release for his role in the drug and money laundering conspiracies. His sentence will run consecutive to his separate conviction in State of Alaska case 4FA-11-00891, where on October 21, 2011, Shepard was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment with 3 years suspended, 5 years to serve and 3 years of supervised release for receiving a package of 26 grams of heroin.

Tufford was sentenced to102 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release for his role in the drug conspiracy. His sentence will run concurrent with his separate conviction in State of Alaska case 4FA-10-02017, where on September 20, 2010, Tufford was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment with 3 years suspended, 5 years to serve and 3 years of supervised release for being in possession of several oxycodone pills, $49,000 in cash, and two firearms.
United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Biestline imposed the sentences on Kurth, age 24; Shepard, age 23; and Tufford, age 26.

According to information presented to the court by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Cavanaugh, Kurth, Shepard, and Tufford were involved in a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone pills in Fairbanks, Alaska that began in 2008 and continued through 2010. Kurth, Shepard, and Tufford would receive oxycodone pills in Fairbanks from sources of supply located in California and other places. These pills would be sent to Fairbanks through couriers carrying the pills on commercial airline flights or through the mail using private mail carriers. Kurth, Shepard, and Tufford would then send the proceeds of the sale of the oxycodone to their co-conspirators in California and other places. The money would be sent by making deposits into co-defendant’s bank accounts in Fairbanks banks, where the deposits would then be withdrawn in bank branches in California and other places. Money would also be sent using money wire transfer services, or would be mailed using private mail carriers, or it would be given to couriers to carry on their bodies on commercial airline flights. Both Tufford and Shepard were in possession of firearms when they were contacted by law enforcement. Four other individuals have been charged in this branch of the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Biestline stated that the community was tired of dealing with drug dealers such as Kurth, Shepard, and Tufford, and noted the threat that drug dealers pose to the safety of children in the community.

Ms. Loeffler commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Fairbanks Police, North Pole Police, Alaska State Troopers, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kurth, Shepard, and Tufford.

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