A federal grand jury in Alaska has indicted a Manokotak resident for the illegal possession of a firearm as a felon. Court documents reveal that Wasillie Chocknok, aged 54, was found in possession of a firearm on October 6, 2023, despite having prior felony convictions.
Chocknok's criminal history includes a conviction for assault in the second degree in June 2008 and another for criminally negligent homicide in March 2022, both adjudicated in Alaska Superior Court in Dillingham.
The indictment charges Chocknok with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. His initial court appearance is set for tomorrow before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon at the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, Chocknok could face up to 15 years imprisonment. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering relevant guidelines and statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska and Jonathan Blais, Special Agent in Charge at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division announced these proceedings.
The ATF Anchorage Field Office is leading the investigation with support from the Alaska State Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson is responsible for prosecuting this case.
It should be noted that an indictment represents only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
