A Fairbanks man, Edward Ginnis, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in distributing fentanyl, which led to a fatal overdose. Upon his release, Ginnis will also serve five years of supervised release. This sentence comes after an investigation revealed that Ginnis was involved in a drug trafficking operation directed by an inmate from a California prison.
Court documents indicate that between May and July 2022, Ginnis conspired with others to distribute controlled substances in the Fairbanks area. He sent packages containing money to California as payment for drugs intended for distribution in Alaska. The drugs were then sold by co-conspirators, including a co-defendant awaiting trial.
The case gained significant attention following the death of Adam Sakkinen on June 25, 2022. Sakkinen had purchased drugs from one of Ginnis’s distributors and was later found unconscious due to a fentanyl overdose. Despite efforts by first responders, he passed away after spending 11 days in intensive care.
Ginnis was arrested on July 14, 2022, while possessing fentanyl and over $13,000 in cash. He pleaded guilty on April 3, 2025, to conspiracy charges related to the distribution of controlled substances resulting in death.
Acting U.S. Attorney William Narus expressed gratitude towards law enforcement agencies for their collaborative effort in investigating the crime. David F. Reames from the DEA Seattle Field Division emphasized that the sentence serves as a warning against drug trafficking activities.
Colonel Maurice Hughes of the Alaska State Troopers reiterated their commitment to combatting drug trafficking alongside federal and local partners.
Due to recusal from certain personnel within the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer has been appointed as Special Attorney for this case.
The investigation was conducted under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), involving multiple law enforcement agencies working together to dismantle high-level criminal organizations threatening public safety.
