A traffic stop conducted by Alaska State Troopers on the Seward Highway near Seward in the early hours of May 20 took an unexpected turn, after two days later it was discovered that the driver, initially identified as Paul J. Hakala, was actually his brother, Kevin E. Hakala.
During the initial investigation, the 42-year-old driver, identified as Paul Hakala of Seward, was found to be driving under the influence of drugs.
Inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, buprenorphine hydrochloride, clonazepam, packaging materials, a digital scale, two cell phones, and $91.
Consequently, Paul Hakala was arrested on multiple charges including intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession of various controlled substances, driving under the influence, and operating a motor vehicle without liability insurance. He was remanded to the Seward City Jail.
However, on May 22, Troopers received notice that the arrested individual, Paul, had used his brother’s identity during the arrest. The true identity of the suspect was revealed to be Kevin E. Hakala, also 42 years old, and also resident of Seward. The revelation came to light after Kevin was fingerprinted upon his arrival at the Seward City Jail.
The Seward Police Department was promptly informed of the development, and they have requested a summons for Kevin Hakala on one extra count of false information. The charging documents have been amended to reflect Kevin’s true identity.
The plot twist has raised numerous questions about the motives behind Kevin’s decision to assume his brother’s identity during the traffic stop.
Kevin Hakala has been in trouble with the law before. In 2020, he was arrested for misconduct with weapons and drug crimes, and pleaded down his crimes to felon in possession of a weapon, with other charges dismissed by the prosecution.
According to official records, Kevin has been released from custody in advance of his court date in June.
Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers across the state are conducting additional traffic patrols through June 4 as part of the Click It or Ticket campaign.
While Troopers will be focused on identifying drivers and passengers not utilizing seatbelts, they are on the lookout for dangerous drivers and drivers operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Not a favorable hook a brother up situation.
Why go to the cost of these additional traffic patrols if those caught are able to negotiate criminal drug and weapons charges down to felon in possession? Do all prosecutors suck this badly?
This seems like a terrible joke and the punch line is that a drug and weapons convicted felon has already been released into a community near you. He’ll be convicted of jay walking in June.
Pretty pathetic, prosecutor. It’s not true that a conviction on your record is all you need. Have some dignity.
Look up the AST Dispatches that are put out every day, or any other LEO agency press releases that name the arrested.
Then, on ones of your choosing, preferably those getting arrested for assaults or felonies, look them up in Alaska Courtview.
You’ll see so many plea agreements your head will spin.
A common event will be three or four charges dropped in exchange for a guilty plea on one charge, often with reductions from felony to misdemeanor.
Violating Conditions of Release? You’ll see them dropped nearly every single time.
Check out AST Dispatches and Alaska Courtview every day for two weeks straight, then you’ll understand why most LEOs dream of retirement; why few criminals fear arrest and how they learn to play the system.
It also has a “magic” effect on conviction stats for the DAO and skews the stats regarding cash bail and recidivism.
Somehow no enterprising journalist wants to make a name for themselves by writing this story.
I had the same thing happen to me over 40 years ago. My brother was driving drunk down in Seward and rolled a company truck he was driving. By the time Troopers caught up with him he was sober, but still got a ticket for reckless driving. Since his license was suspended he used my name, address and SSN and then never took care of it or bothered to tell me about it. I only found out because this was when Alaska started requiring a motorcycle endorsement. I went down to DMV and did everything necessary, but when it came time to get my new license I was told I had to take care of my Seward arrest warrant before it could be issued. Since I hadn’t been to Seward in many years I pretty much figured out what had happened. I even wrote a letter to Tell it to Bud asking how this could happen. Bud contacted the troopers and they said they try to be as diligent as possible when confirming someone’s identity, but my brother gave all the right responses. The trooper I first talked to at the courthouse suggested I take my brother out back and teach him a lesson. Today a trooper would get suspended or fired for making a suggestion like that.
42 years old, second hard druug offense in three years and 91 dollars in cash. Quite the success story.
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