An Anchorage man, Andrew Lee, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for drug possession with intent to distribute. The sentence comes after Lee, who was on parole for a second-degree murder conviction, refused a routine search at his residence.
Court documents reveal that on October 20, 2022, two Alaska Department of Corrections parole officers conducted a routine search at Lee’s residence. During the visit, Lee led officers to a bedroom he claimed to share with his father. However, no evidence supported this claim. A subsequent vehicle search revealed two cell phones and drug paraphernalia.
Lee provided conflicting information about the occupants of the residence’s other bedrooms. He claimed one locked room belonged to someone else, but communication with the alleged occupant revealed it was actually Lee’s room. When questioned about these inconsistencies, Lee became agitated and was subsequently detained by parole officers.
Upon arrest and during processing at the Anchorage Correctional Complex, authorities found $1,500 in cash and significant quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl on Lee’s person.
Lee was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on April 11, 2024.
“Mr. Lee participated in the dangerous drug trade while on parole for a violent felony—and will now spend 10 years behind bars for it,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Let this sentence serve as a clear message: our office…will pursue drug traffickers and seek harsh penalties.”
Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office emphasized the commitment to community safety: “Following a collaborative investigation…this sentencing reflects our continued commitment to hold drug traffickers accountable.”
The case involved cooperation between multiple agencies including the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department under the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody Tirpak prosecuted the case.
