Anchorage, Alaska - U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that a Egegik man has been charged with possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Jason Corey Vincent Alto, 20, of Egegik, Alaska, was charged with possessing nearly three pounds of methamphetamine while traveling on the Alaska Marine Highway System M/V Kennicott. Alto was traveling from Washington to Whittier, Alaska, when he was contacted in Ketchikan and a search of his luggage revealed methamphetamine. Alto was subsequently arrested on State charges and is currently in custody in Ketchikan.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack S. Schmidt, who presented the case to the grand jury, the law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to a maximum of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000.
The United States Coast Guard Investigative Service and the Alaska State Troopers Drug Unit conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
