Justin Facey faces years in prison after admitting he possessed fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
ANCHORAGE, AK— A former Anchorage defense attorney pleaded guilty June 22 in federal court to possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, marking a new turn in a sweeping drug investigation tied to Alaska and California.
Justin Facey, 46, entered the plea as part of a case that began with allegations that he used his Anchorage residence to distribute and use controlled substances. Federal officials said the case also grew out of an investigation into a drug trafficking organization allegedly run by Heraclio Sanchez-Rodriguez, a California prisoner accused of directing shipments of fentanyl and other drugs into Alaska.
Facey was arrested May 21, 2025, after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with drug trafficking and firearm offenses. The indictment alleged that from April 2024 to April 2025, Facey used his Anchorage home as a drug-involved premises for fentanyl and methamphetamine. Prosecutors also alleged that on April 30, 2025, he possessed four firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Facey pleaded guilty to one count of possessing drugs with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Federal prosecutors described the larger Sanchez-Rodriguez matter as “one of the biggest drug trafficking rings harming Alaska communities in the history of our state.”
Court records said investigators found fentanyl, more than 5 grams of pure methamphetamine, digital scales and small plastic baggies at Facey’s residence. Prosecutors said a review of Facey’s phone showed regular messages about buying and selling fentanyl and methamphetamine. The first superseding indictment also alleged that a minor was present when Facey possessed drugs with intent to distribute. As part of the plea agreement reported in court, prosecutors agreed to dismiss remaining counts after sentencing, including maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession of methamphetamine with a minor present, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of firearms by a prohibited person.
Federal investigators said they first became aware of Facey in June 2023 during their inquiry into Sanchez-Rodriguez. Officials have said Sanchez-Rodriguez was later indicted on federal drug trafficking and murder charges, and that more than 60 defendants have been charged in connection with the organization. Prosecutors have alleged the network moved drugs to Alaska communities through the mail and other routes, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kodiak, Dillingham, Ketchikan, Palmer and Savoonga. Law enforcement has said seizures tied to the enterprise included large amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine.
Facey’s law career was also under scrutiny before his federal arrest. Court documents said he was suspended from practicing law on Feb. 24, 2025, after numerous complaints to the Alaska Bar. Before the suspension, Facey worked as an Anchorage defense attorney with his own practice. In filings before the guilty plea, prosecutors alleged Facey communicated directly with Sanchez-Rodriguez and discussed efforts to help another person leave Alaska to avoid police. Prosecutors also alleged Facey accepted drugs connected to the organization and discussed crediting their value toward future legal work. Facey’s defense attorney, Nicolas Vieth, said after the indictment that the allegations were serious and that his priority was getting Facey treatment for drug addiction and mental health issues.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska has been recused from the case except for certain personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer of the Northern District of New York was appointed as a special attorney to assist with this and other recused cases. The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon, DEA Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Saccone and FBI Anchorage Field Office Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schelgel. The DEA Anchorage District Office and FBI Anchorage Field Office investigated with help from Anchorage police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Alexander and Jennifer Ivers are prosecuting.
Facey is scheduled to be sentenced at 10 a.m. Oct. 6, 2026. Federal officials said he faces 10 to 40 years in prison, and a federal district judge will decide the sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
Author note: Last updated Sunday, June 28, 2026.