10 face federal charges on drug trafficking allegations

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Ten people, more than half of whom are from Anchorage, are facing charges in connection with what the U.S. Attorney's Office on Tuesday classified as a drug trafficking organization operating in the city.

Eight of the accused are named in a single indictment, the first version of which was filed in May. The other two are separate, separate charges that were filed in September, according to federal court records.

According to the USAO for the District of Alaska, all of the defendants are believed to have ties to a single drug trafficking ring.

In a prepared news release Tuesday, prosecutors said they believe the ringleader of the operation was Rodney Godwin, 50, of Anchorage, who is accused of trafficking controlled substances, including but not limited to fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin According to federal court documents, he conspired with nine other people to do so.

The charges range from allegations of continuing a criminal enterprise to conspiracy to distribute, money laundering and carrying firearms during a drug trafficking offense.

If convicted, Godwin could face life in prison, while the others could face up to 20 years behind bars, according to the USAO.

The latest court documents available on the federal court filings website show the case is in the discovery phase with thousands of documents still awaiting review.

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