Anchorage, AK – United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today, June 1, 2012, that
Fairbanks resident Synda L. Collins, age 21, was sentenced this week in United States District Court to
one year and a day in prison for her role in a money laundering conspiracy that involved proceeds from the
unlawful distribution of prescription painkilling medication.
Collins was part of a ring which unlawfully transported Oxycontin, a powerful and addictive
prescription painkiller, from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Fairbanks in late 2008 and early 2009. Between
February and April 2009, Collins wire transferred or deposited approximately $14,000 in funds that
consisted of proceeds from the unlawful distribution of Oxycontin pills in the Fairbanks area. The total
amount of money laundered during the conspiracy was approximately $140,000.
The investigation resulted in the conviction of five individuals, including Collins, for their roles in
the conspiracy. The prison sentences imposed for the other participants are as follows:
Damien M. Mingarelli of Las Vegas, Nevada, (the supplier of the Oxycontin pills) – 80 months
Justin Michael Standefer of Fairbanks, Alaska – 18 months
Lucas Allen Deweese of Fairbanks, Alaska – 12 months and one day
Alonzo Young III of Fairbanks, Alaska - scheduled for sentencing on June 19, 2012
“Abuse of prescription medication is a growing problem that has a wide array of negative impacts
on our communities. We will continue to fight against this growing trend.” said United States Attorney
Karen Loeffler. “Prescription drugs are meant to make our lives better, but traffickers who distribute
prescription painkillers, such as Oxycontin, for money bring nothing but pain and suffering," said Kenneth
J. Hines, the IRS Special Agent in Charge of Alaska. "DEA and IRS will continue to combat this trend
through vigilant enforcement of the narcotics and money laundering laws."
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal
Investigation Division and the North Pole Alaska Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistance with some of the arrests was received from the United States Marshal’s Service. The case was
prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph W. Bottini.Return to Top