Suspended Alaska Attorney Justin Facey Sentenced to 20 Years for Drug Trafficking

Suspended Anchorage defense attorney Justin Facey received a 20-year federal prison sentence on Tuesday for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine in connection with what prosecutors describe as one of the most massive drug syndicates in Alaska history, as reported by alaskasnewssource.com. At age 46, Facey admitted guilt in June to a single charge of possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute.

Federal Court Imposes Twenty-Year Prison Sentence

U.S. District Court imposed the 20-year term recommended by the government, alongside five years of supervised release. Under his plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to dismiss four remaining counts, which included maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession of methamphetamine with a minor present, and two firearms counts. On April 30, 2025, investigators found fentanyl and more than 5 grams of pure methamphetamine at Facey’s Anchorage residence, along with multiple firearms, digital scales, and small plastic baggies.

Cellphone reviews by investigators showed regular communications regarding the purchase and sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine. During allocution, Facey apologized to the court and the community. I have a lot to apologize for, Facey said, adding that he was full of regret and ashamed for the harm he’s caused the community.

Exploitation of Vulnerable Victims and Legal Trust

Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander, deputy criminal chief for the District of Alaska, noted that the court emphasized Facey’s exploitation of vulnerable victims during the criminal activity. Hopefully individuals understand that if you abuse a position of trust and authority in our community and take advantage of some of the most vulnerable people, that there are going to be consequences, Alexander stated after sentencing.

FBI Anchorage Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel highlighted the breach of public safety.

Mr. Facey used his position as an attorney to fuel a drug trafficking organization operating within Alaska, eroding the public’s trust and safety in the process.

Matthew Schlegel

Judge Timothy M. Burgess addressed Facey’s long-standing struggle with substance abuse, pointing to court details showing addictions starting as early as age 12. Burgess expressed deep concerns regarding public safety and cited text messages where Facey offered to buy doughnuts for a female in exchange for sexual favors.

Connection to California Cartel Ring and Over Fifty Defendants

The legal proceedings against Facey originate from a wide-ranging inquiry into a drug enterprise purportedly directed by Heraclio Sanchez-Rodriguez, who is currently an inmate in California serving a sentence of 25 years to life. Authorities state Sanchez-Rodriguez operated the ring using contraband cellphones, directing shipments of fentanyl and other drugs to more than a dozen Alaska communities through the U.S. mail. More than 50 defendants face charges in connection to the enterprise.

Authorities recovered quantities exceeding 92 kilograms of fentanyl, 26 kilograms of methamphetamine, 11 kilograms of heroin, and 110 grams of cocaine. Court documents indicate Facey communicated directly with Sanchez-Rodriguez, offering to credit fentanyl pills sent to his home toward future legal work. Facey was first indicted in May 2025 after the Alaska Bar Association suspended his license in February 2025 following 13 bar grievances and six fee arbitration matters.