The Justice Department announced a sweeping law enforcement success in Alaska on Wednesday, with US Attorney Michael Heyman announcing that 39 defendants were criminally charged in the state so far, as part of Operation Take Back America, a national campaign to combat violent crime, drug trafficking, and transnational criminal organizations.
Launched on March 5, the initiative aims to “achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, repel the invasion of illegal immigration, and protect our communities,” the department said. Alaska’s contributions to the campaign have already led to dozens of indictments for serious drug and violent offenses.
The operation is a coordinated effort involving the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, as well as state and local law enforcement partners.
Among the 28 federal criminal cases filed in Alaska between Jan. 21 and June 10, three stand out as particularly egregious:
- US v. Sean Mobley: Mobley, 45, is accused of distributing carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 10,000 times more potent than morphine, to two individuals, including a minor who died from the overdose. Prosecutors say Mobley disposed of the girl’s body along a remote ATV trail in Wasilla in the middle of the night. He faces a minimum of 20 years to life in prison if convicted.
- US v. Corey Clifton and Elizabeth Cruickshank: Between August 2024 and February 2025, the pair allegedly distributed over 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl — equal to more than 42,000 pills — and laundered over $500,000 in drug proceeds. Clifton is also charged with illegal possession of firearms. They face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
- US v. Alexander Kawanishi: Kawanishi, 32, allegedly shot a person in an Anchorage motel during a drug deal, then was later found armed and wearing body armor in a vehicle stuck in a snowbank. He had meth, fentanyl, cocaine, and three firearms in his possession. As a convicted felon, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
The 39 defendants span a range of serious criminal conduct, including drug trafficking, violent crime, and immigration violations. Some of the other notable cases charged include:
- U.S. v. Greydanus et al. – drug trafficking
- U.S. v. Miles et al. – drug trafficking
- U.S. v. Rowcroft-Ivy – violent crime
- U.S. v. Santiago-Martinez– illegal immigrant
A complete alphabetical list of charged individuals is here.
Officials say the work is far from over. Operation Take Back America remains active, and future investigations and arrests are expected.
The prosecutions are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Criminal Division in Alaska. Federal officials commended both federal and local law enforcement partners for their contributions to the early success of the initiative.
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