A Fairbanks man, Edward Ginnis, has confessed to distributing fentanyl causing a fatal overdose. The charges stem from a scheme in which Ginnis, aged 39, conspired with others to distribute and possess controlled substances in Fairbanks between May and July 2022. The substances, presented as heroin but containing fentanyl, led to the death of a local man on June 26, 2022.
Ginnis was apprehended in Fairbanks on July 14, 2022, with fentanyl intended for further distribution within the conspiracy. He is awaiting sentencing on July 8, 2025, and could face a sentence ranging from a minimum of 20 years to life imprisonment. A federal judge will ascertain the sentence, considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
"Acting U.S. Attorney William Narus of the District of Oregon made the announcement." Due to recusal except for certain personnel, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska is not handling the case. Special Attorney Steven D. Clymer from the Northern District of New York has been appointed to assist with this and similar cases, reporting to the Deputy Attorney General or Acting U.S. Attorney Narus.
The case investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Alaska State Troopers. "Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alana Weber, Stephan Collins and Chris Schroeder from the District of Alaska are prosecuting the case."