An Anchorage man has been sentenced to an additional 20 years in federal prison for leading a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing over eight kilograms of illegal drugs throughout Alaska. Rodney Godwin, 51, is already serving a separate 20-year sentence and will now serve a total of 40 years.
According to court records, between April and December 2023, Godwin organized the importation and distribution of large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin while under indictment for another drug crime. He also possessed multiple firearms connected to the operation.
Godwin was arrested on September 12, 2023, after failing to appear for sentencing in another federal case. At the time of his arrest, he attempted to evade law enforcement but was apprehended following a brief foot chase. Authorities found about $6,000 in cash on him and a loaded handgun nearby. Earlier that day he had been sentenced in absentia.
Subsequent searches by law enforcement uncovered more than $192,000 in cash, significant amounts of drugs, and several firearms in both his vehicle and one of the motorhomes used for trafficking activities. Even after being taken into custody, Godwin continued directing operations from jail.
On May 23, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Godwin along with seven co-defendants. On May 10, 2025, he pleaded guilty to engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. The court ordered that his new sentence be served consecutively to his prior term. The judge highlighted Godwin’s criminal record and stressed the importance of deterrence: criminals who reoffend while targeting Alaska will face severe penalties.
“Mr. Godwin has a long criminal history and chose to continue to engage in conduct that placed our community at risk, landing him in jail for nearly the rest of his life," said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. "This sentence should serve as a warning to offenders in Alaska that my office, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state and local level, will be relentless in our efforts to keep our community safe from drug trafficking and violent crime.”
“Godwin oversaw the importation and distribution of dangerous drugs into and throughout Alaska, jeopardizing public safety in a profound way,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “For his actions, he will now spend decades in federal prison. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will not allow criminals like Godwin to operate with impunity in our communities.”
Several co-defendants have pleaded guilty or are awaiting sentencing; others still face pending charges related to conspiracy or firearm offenses.
The investigation involved multiple agencies working through the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force—this included support from local police departments as well as state troopers and federal investigative services.
