A federal grand jury in Alaska has indicted three residents of Kodiak on charges related to drug trafficking, including the distribution of fentanyl that allegedly led to a fatal overdose. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge David Reames of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Division Office.

Court documents indicate that between February 2022 and July 2023, Ashley Katelnikoff, 37, and Gerry Pugal, 37, are accused of conspiring to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and more than 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. It is further alleged that Katelnikoff distributed fentanyl around August 25-26, 2022, resulting in a victim's death.

The indictment also includes allegations against Pugal and Kalani Coyle, 32. Between November 21-29, 2022, they reportedly attempted to possess with intent to distribute over 400 grams of a fentanyl mixture along with more than 50 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.

Katelnikoff faces charges including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Pugal is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death and attempted possession with intent to distribute. Coyle faces one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute.

If convicted, Katelnikoff and Pugal could face sentences ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment; Coyle could face between ten years to life imprisonment. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines among other factors.

The DEA Seattle Division Office leads the investigation alongside its Anchorage District Office with significant support from several agencies including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile and IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alana Weber, Chris Schroeder, and Stephan Collins are prosecuting this case.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.