Anchorage, Alaska - U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Cecil John Zak, 40, of North Pole, Alaska, has been federally indicted with attempted possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Zak was arrested on May 20, 2019, based on a criminal complaint.
According to the criminal complaint, on May 19, 2019, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service executed federal search warrants on two parcels originating from “Joe Wilcox" in California, to be delivered to “J. ZAK" in Fairbanks. It is alleged that inside the parcels were nearly three pounds of methamphetamine and one half pound of heroin. On May 20, 2019, U.S. Postal Inspectors conducted a controlled delivery on the intended address of the two parcels, and observed Zak take the parcels.
Upon his arrest, Zak was transported to the Fairbanks AST post. The complaint further alleges that a search of Zak’s residence revealed $3,000, several firearms, and drug trafficking paraphernalia including over five grams of methamphetamine, suspected ecstasy pills, money counter, digital scales, and suspected mephedrone.
If convicted, Zak faces a statutory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison for the most serious charges alleged in the indictment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU), which is comprised of officers from the Alaska State Troopers (AST), the Fairbanks Police Department (FPD), and the North Pole Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan D. Tansey.
The charges in the indictment and criminal complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
