An Anchorage man, Christopher Nickalaskey, 34, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. According to court documents, Nickalaskey had previously been convicted of a state felony drug offense and a 2017 federal conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon. In the earlier case, he was involved in a violent incident with Anchorage Police Department (APD) officers during which he pulled out a loaded gun; he received four years in federal prison for that conduct.
On September 7, 2023, authorities found Nickalaskey in possession of two pistols and over one kilogram of methamphetamine. Investigators determined that he intended to sell the drugs after reviewing text messages on his phone from the day of his arrest.
Nickalaskey was released on state bail following this arrest. Less than a month later, on October 1, APD responded to reports that Nickalaskey was trespassing and possibly armed. When officers attempted to search him, Nickalaskey resisted and produced a firearm. During the struggle with several officers—who tried to subdue him using tasers—the gun discharged. The bullet passed through Nickalaskey’s hip before striking an APD officer in the knee. An APD sergeant eventually disarmed him after being bitten by Nickalaskey during the altercation. Both injured officers recovered.
The court also ordered that upon completion of his prison term, Nickalaskey will serve ten years under supervised release. The sentencing judge cited his history of drug-related and violent convictions as factors in determining the sentence.
“Mr. Nickalaskey is a repeat and dangerous criminal,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska. “His lawlessness peaked when he brandished a prohibited weapon and injured two dedicated Anchorage police officers, earning himself 14 years behind bars. My office takes the threat of repeat, undeterred offenders seriously and will ensure they face the full weight of the law.”
“The defendant’s crimes involved drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and acts of violence against law enforcement in our community – none of which will be tolerated by the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Those who commit such crimes will be removed from our streets and met with decisive justice.”
“APD is grateful to all parties involved in the curtailing of drugs and illegal firearms within the community,” said Anchorage Police Department Chief Sean Case. “This decision by the court continues to send the strong message that APD and our Federal partners are committed to keeping our streets and communities safe. APD would also like to thank the FBI for helping during this investigation. Our partnership reflects the highest standards of law enforcement services provided in Anchorage.”
The case was investigated by both the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Ivers and Mac Caille Petersson prosecuted it.
