Kodiak Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Drug Trafficking

Anchorage, Alaska - U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that a Kodiak man was sentenced in federal court in Anchorage for one count of trafficking narcotics.  Eric McDaniel, 45, of Kodiak, had previously pled guilty on December 2, 2014, to one count of possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and a mixture and substance containing heroin.

McDaniel was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline, to 120 months in prison.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder, McDaniel was found on April 19, 2014, in a hotel room in Kodiak, along with 620 grams (1.3 pounds) of methamphetamine, and 46 grams of heroin.  The methamphetamine was packaged in 1 ounce bags, consistent with distribution.  McDaniel admitted he intended to distribute the drugs. 

Ms. Loeffler commends the FBI and the Kodiak Police Department for the investigation of this case.  Tim Putney, the head of the Kodiak Police Department’s Major Crimes and Drug Enforcement Units added, “This case is an excellent example of the power of partnerships between the public, local and federal law enforcement officials.  The case started with tips from Kodiak residents and with support from the FBI, our Drug Enforcement Unit detectives took over 25 ounces of meth and just under 2 ounces of high-grade heroin off the streets.  We have every reason to believe that amount of drugs in our community would have led to other types of criminal activity.  Mr. McDaniel apparently thought he could run from his previous drug felony convictions and continue his illegal business here in Kodiak.  He was proven wrong.”