Anchorage Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Multiple-Count Drug and Gun Indictment

ANCHORAGE, AK—Acting United States Attorney Frank V. Russo announced that on June 2, 2010, Maurice Marquette Mackey, a resident of Anchorage, Alaska, pled guilty in federal court to charges of distribution of controlled substances, possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Mackey, 34, entered his guilty pleas to the four-count indictment before Chief United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline. Mackey also agreed to forfeit a Romarm SA/Cugir Rifle to the United States.

In connection with the guilty pleas, Special Assistant United States Attorney Erin White advised the court that Mackey sold 53.5 grams of crack cocaine to a confidential informant working for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). On two separate occasions, Mackey sold a total of 11.2 grams of crack cocaine to a confidential informant working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In November of 2008, he was arrested and his residence was searched. At Mackey’s residence, law enforcement found powder cocaine, scales used to weigh drugs, cash, two firearms, boxes of ammunition, and surveillance cameras.

Judge Beistline scheduled sentencing for July 1, 2010. The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, with a potential maximum sentence of life in prison. Mackey also faces a potential fine of $2 million. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Mackey will remain in custody, pending sentencing.

Mr. Russo commended the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, DEA, ATF, and the Anchorage Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mackey. Ms. White is a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office who is funded by the Municipality of Anchorage for the purpose of prosecuting gang-related and violent crime cases.