U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman has announced the early achievements of Operation Take Back America in Alaska, where 39 defendants have been charged with criminal offenses since the operation’s start just over four months ago. This initiative aims to eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect communities from violent crime and drug trafficking.
“Operation Take Back America has already been a huge success in Alaska,” said U.S. Attorney Heyman. “By concentrating our efforts on national law enforcement priorities and aggressively charging individuals for perpetrating crimes that most significantly impact public safety, our communities are becoming safer.”
David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division, highlighted the collaboration with partners in Alaska as crucial to the operation’s success: “DEA’s core mission is protecting America from drug traffickers and others who seek to do harm to our communities.” He emphasized the DEA’s commitment to working collectively to ensure safety.
Special Agent Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office commented on the threats posed by transnational criminal organizations: “Through Operation Take Back America, Alaskans can expect to see continued results in our mission to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises.”
Jonathan Blais, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Seattle Field Division, noted that cooperation among various law enforcement agencies enhances public safety efforts against violent crime.
Among 28 cases charged between January 21 and June 10, several highlight significant impacts:
In U.S. v. Mobley, Sean Mobley is accused of distributing carfentanil leading to an overdose death. If convicted, he faces up to life imprisonment.
The case U.S. v. Clifton et al involves Corey Clifton and Elizabeth Cruickshank allegedly conspiring to distribute fentanyl and launder drug proceeds. They face a minimum of 10 years up to life if convicted.
Alexander Kawanishi faces charges in U.S. v. Kawanishi for purchasing illegal narcotics and shooting an individual during a dispute over money at an Anchorage motel.
The full list of cases includes charges related to drug trafficking (DT), violent crime (VC), and immigration (I). The announcement acknowledges contributions from federal, state, and local law enforcement partners involved in these investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Alaska’s Criminal Division are prosecuting these cases under Operation Take Back America guidelines.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
