A Fairbanks man, Edward Ginnis, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for distributing fentanyl, which led to a fatal overdose. Upon his release, he will serve an additional five years under supervised release. The sentence was handed down after a series of events that began in May 2022.
Court documents reveal that Ginnis, aged 39, collaborated with others to distribute controlled substances in the Fairbanks area from May to July 2022. He distributed drugs to a co-conspirator who then sold them further. This activity was part of a larger drug trafficking operation allegedly orchestrated by an inmate in a California prison.
On June 7, 2022, Ginnis sent money to California for drugs intended for distribution in Fairbanks. By June 11, packages containing heroin arrived in Alaska as part of this operation. Text messages later revealed Ginnis actively sought buyers through distributors on June 11.
On June 25, Adam Sakkinen contacted one of Ginnis' associates to purchase drugs and subsequently overdosed on fentanyl while driving in Badger. Despite receiving six doses of Narcan and being placed on life support, Sakkinen passed away after spending time in intensive care.
Ginnis was arrested on July 14, 2022, while possessing fentanyl and over $13,000 cash during a state probation violation check. On January 18, 2025, he was indicted on federal charges and pleaded guilty on April 3 to conspiracy resulting in death.
Acting U.S. Attorney William Narus expressed gratitude towards law enforcement agencies involved: "The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the law enforcement agencies that came together to investigate this crime and help bring justice to the family of the victim."
David F. Reames from the DEA stated: "Fentanyl traffickers choose profit over people when they sell drugs that lead to addiction and death."
Colonel Maurice Hughes from the Alaska State Troopers emphasized their commitment: "Drug dealers have no place in our great state."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer is assisting with recused cases due to personnel exemptions within the District of Alaska's U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The case involved multiple law enforcement agencies including the DEA Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office alongside local police departments under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF).
