A federal grand jury in Alaska has indicted three residents of Kodiak on charges related to drug trafficking, including the distribution of fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge David Reames of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Division Office.
The court documents state that between February 2022 and July 2023, Ashley Katelnikoff, 37, and Gerry Pugal, 37, allegedly conspired to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl along with more than 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. It is further alleged that around August 25-26, 2022, Katelnikoff distributed fentanyl as part of this conspiracy, resulting in a victim's death.
Additionally, the indictment claims that from November 21-29, 2022, Pugal and Kalani Coyle, 32, attempted to possess with intent to distribute over 400 grams of a fentanyl mixture and more than 50 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.
Katelnikoff faces charges including one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death and one count of distribution leading to death. Pugal is charged with conspiracy involving controlled substances resulting in death and attempted possession with intent to distribute. Coyle faces one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute.
If convicted, Katelnikoff and Pugal could face sentences ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment. Coyle faces a potential sentence between ten years to life imprisonment. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines among other factors.
The DEA Seattle Division Office along with its Anchorage District Office led the investigation into this case with support from several agencies including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile and IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alana Weber, Chris Schroeder, and Stephan Collins are handling the prosecution.
It is important to note that an indictment is only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.