ANCHORAGE MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT
TO DISTRIBUTION OF CRACK COCAINE

Anchorage, Alaska – United States Attorney Nelson P. Cohen announced today, March 27, 2008, that Mutazz Abasi Chenery, a resident of Anchorage, Alaska, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distribution of controlled substances.

The 28 year-old Chenery pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine base, or “crack,” before Chief United States District Court Judge John W. Sedwick.

In connection with the guilty plea, Special Assistant United States Attorney Erin White advised the court that on three separate occasions, Chenery sold over five grams of crack cocaine to a government informant. At the time of Chenery’s arrest, law enforcement also found 149.5 grams of crack cocaine in a vehicle frequently driven by Chenery. The crack was hidden in a starch container with a fake bottom, and the State of Alaska Crime Lab determined that a latent print found on that can matched Chenery’s left thumb.

Judge Sedwick set sentencing for June 10, 2008, at 8:30 a.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.

Chenery continues 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.