A federal grand jury in Alaska has indicted a Manokotak resident, Wasillie Chocknok, for illegal possession of a firearm as a felon. Court documents state that on October 6, 2023, Chocknok, aged 54, knowingly possessed a firearm despite his status as a convicted felon. His previous convictions include assault in the second degree in June 2008 and criminally negligent homicide in March 2022, both adjudicated by the Alaska Superior Court in Dillingham.
Chocknok faces one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is set to make his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon at the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska tomorrow. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to 15 years imprisonment. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory considerations.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska and Jonathan Blais, Special Agent in Charge at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division.
The investigation is being conducted by the ATF Anchorage Field Office with support from the Alaska State Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson is handling the prosecution of this case.
It should be noted that an indictment represents only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.