News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2007
Contact: Rhett Fonseca
Number: 206-553-1251

Duo Plead Guilty to Conspiracy Drug Charges

NOV 20 --(Anchorage) – DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Harvey L. Goehring and United States Attorney for the District of Alaska, Nelson P. Cohen, announced that Marcus Nelson and Rene Garcia, residents of Fairbanks, Alaska, plead guilty before Chief United States District Court Judge John W. Sedwick to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and one count of attempted possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute.

Nelson and Rene acknowledged that on or about June 4, 2007, in Fairbanks, Alaska, they conspired to distribute approximately four kilograms of cocaine, which was concealed inside a parcel sent through the mail and delivered to Nelson’s P.O. Box in Fairbanks.

Judge Sedwick did not set a date for Nelson or Garcia’s sentencing hearings. Each count provides for a maximum sentence of life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years, a fine of $4,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed are based on the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

The Court ordered Nelson and Garcia to remain incarcerated until their sentencing hearings. Mr. Cohen commended the coordinated effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration Interdiction Task force, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Fairbanks Police Department, who conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Nelson and Garcia.

ASAC Goehring pointed out that the Interdiction Task Force is made up of representatives of the Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage International Airport Police and Fire Department, and the Anchorage Police Department. The Interdiction Task Force joined forces with the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Fairbanks Police Department in this investigation. ASAC Goehring noted that this is another example of federal, state and local law enforcement working together with the end result being a safer community.