The final defendant involved in a Southeast Alaska drug trafficking conspiracy has entered a guilty plea. Patricia Seal-Uttke, 32, of Ketchikan, admitted to charges of conspiring to traffic drugs and launder money linked to a transnational drug trafficking operation.
Court documents reveal that on August 24, 2022, U.S. Postal Inspectors intercepted a package addressed to Seal-Uttke containing nearly 500 grams of heroin and over 430 grams of methamphetamine. A controlled delivery led to the arrest of co-conspirator Larry Marsden when he collected the package.
Seal-Uttke’s role was part of a larger scheme orchestrated by her co-conspirator Karly Fuller, who recruited individuals for the enterprise and managed operations. The enterprise was reportedly directed by an inmate in a California prison.
The network shipped parcels with controlled substances from California and other parts of Alaska to Southeast Alaska locations such as Sitka and Ketchikan. Law enforcement seized parcels containing illegal fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine on multiple occasions. According to court documents, Fuller, Seal-Uttke, Marsden, and others trafficked significant quantities of these drugs through mail during one month in 2022.
From June 2022 to July 2023, Fuller and her associates attempted to launder over $150,000 in drug proceeds using various methods including money orders and digital transfers.
Seal-Uttke is set for sentencing on September 24, 2025. She faces up to 20 years in prison. Her sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Other defendants include:
– Karly Fuller: Pleaded guilty on April 23, 2025; faces up to 20 years.
– Larry Marsden: Sentenced on March 12, 2025; received a term of imprisonment.
– Stormy Cleveland: Sentenced on March 25, 2025; received a term of imprisonment.
– Mario Klanott: Scheduled for sentencing on September 9, 2025; faces up to 20 years.
– Douglas Vanmeter: Scheduled for sentencing on August 6, 2025; faces up to 20 years.
– Sara Orr: Scheduled for sentencing on September 9, 2025; faces up to 20 years.
– Julia Brusell: Sentenced on March 17, 2025; served time with supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney William Narus announced the developments. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska recused itself from this case except certain personnel roles were maintained. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer has been appointed as Special Attorney for this case.
The investigation involves several agencies including the DEA Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office among others.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alana Weber, Stephan Collins and Chris Schroeder are prosecuting the case.
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