Sitka Couple Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy

Anchorage, Alaska - United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that on October 17, 2016, Luke Roderick Lowe and Marguarite Jean Keicher, both residents of Sitka, Alaska were sentenced in federal court in Juneau for their role in a drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Lowe, 38, and Keicher, 39 were each sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge Timothy M. Burgess to 120 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for their roles in the drug conspiracy and forfeited $1,524.00 in U.S. Currency and firearms involved in the offense.  Lowe has been in federal custody since May 1, 2015, and Keicher has been in federal custody since April 22, 2015.

According to information presented to the court by Assistant United States Attorney Jack S. Schmidt, the defendants had moved to Ketchikan from Sitka, Alaska and began distributing methamphetamine from various sources who had obtained the drugs from the Lower 48 using various drug trafficking methods.  After the methamphetamine was delivered to Ketchikan, the defendant distributed the drugs to others for subsequent distribution.  During the investigation, the defendants’ residence was searched and law enforcement found a total of 72.9 grams of actual methamphetamine and a number of loaded firearms, specifically two semi-auto handguns located in the defendant’s backpacks, a revolver, and assault style rifle located in the defendant’s bedroom in their residence.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Burgess indicated the seriousness of the offense and the need to provided treatment as reasons for the sentence.

Ms. Loeffler commended the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ketchikan Police Department-Drug Unit for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the above listed defendants.