TWO ANCHORAGE MEN PLEAD GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT TO SEVERAL CHARGES RELATED TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF CRACK COCAINE

Anchorage, Alaska – United States Attorney Nelson P. Cohen announced today, October 12, 2007, that Jimmy Green and Keimonte Blueford, both residents of Anchorage, Alaska, pleaded guilty in federal court to several charges related to the distribution of crack cocaine.

Green, age 23, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and to two counts of crack distribution. Blueford, age 19, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and to one count of crack distribution. Green and Blueford, who are co-defendants, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline.

In connection with the guilty pleas, Assistant United States Attorney Shawn C. Fuller advised the court that between May 18 and May 30, 2007, Blueford and Green conspired with one another to distribute approximately 11 grams of crack cocaine.

Judge Beistline scheduled Green’s sentencing for December 19, 2007, and Blueford’s sentencing for January 11, 2008. Each count provides for a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed are based on the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

The Court ordered Blueford and Green to remain incarcerated until their sentencing hearings.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, made up of Anchorage Police Department officers and FBI special agents, conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Blueford and Green.

###