ANCHORAGE MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT TO
POSSESSION OF CRACK COCAINE WITH INTENT TO DELIVER

Anchorage, Alaska – Acting United States Attorney Crandon Randell announced today, January 22, 2008, that Ronald Leslie Fisher, a resident of Anchorage, Alaska, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

Fisher, age 32, pleaded guilty to possessing over five grams of cocaine base, or “crack,” with intent to distribute before United States District Court Judge Timothy M. Burgess.

In connection with the guilty plea, Special Assistant United States Attorney Erin White advised the court that on four separate occasions, the defendant sold crack cocaine to a government informant. Also, during a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by the defendant, the Anchorage Police Department found crack cocaine in his possession. The total amount of crack possessed and/or distributed by the defendant was 22.4 grams.

Judge Burgess announced that sentencing will take place on March 31, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 to 40 years in prison, a fine of $2 million, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The court ordered Fisher to remain in custody pending sentencing.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, comprised of Anchorage police officers and FBI agents, conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case. SAUSA White is one of two prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office who are funded by the Municipality of Anchorage for the purpose of prosecuting gang-related and violent crime cases. for a maximum total sentence of 5 to 40 years in prison, a fine of $2 million, or both.