Ashley Katelnikoff, Pugal, Fentanyl Trafficking, Alaska 2022

A federal grand jury in Alaska has indicted three Kodiak residents for their alleged involvement in a fentanyl trafficking ring that resulted in a fatal overdose.

The indictment charges Ashley Katelnikoff, 37, and Gerry Pugal, 37, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances resulting in death. Katelnikoff is also charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.

According to court documents, between February 2022 and July 2023, Katelnikoff and Pugal allegedly conspired together to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and over 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.

Court documents further allege that on or about Aug. 25-26, 2022, Katelnikoff distributed fentanyl as part of the conspiracy, which resulted in the death of a victim.

The indictment also alleges that between Nov. 21-29, 2022, Pugal and Kalani Coyle, 32, attempted to possess with intent to distribute over 400 grams of a fentanyl mixture and over 50 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.

Katelnikoff is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances resulting in death and one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Pugal is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances resulting in death and one count of attempted possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Coyle is charged with one count of attempted possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

If convicted, Katelnikoff and Pugal face between 20 years to life in prison, and Coyle faces 10 years to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA Seattle Division Office and Anchorage District Office, with significant assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile, IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office, Alaska State Troopers, and the Kodiak Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alana Weber, Chris Schroeder, and Stephan Collins.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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