In a shocking case of kidnapping and drug trafficking, a second Anchorage man has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison. Faamanu Vaifanua, also known as “Junior,” and his brother Macauther Christmas Vaifanua, also known as “Mac,” brutally beat and tortured a victim whom they believed had stolen drugs from them. The victim was forcibly bound, gagged, and placed in a metal dog kennel, which was then loaded into a truck at gunpoint. This horrifying assault was captured on video surveillance. The brothers and their co-defendants used various weapons to beat the victim, causing severe injuries and permanent disability. The victim was eventually found, receiving life-saving medical attention, while the defendants faced justice for their actions. This case serves as a reminder that such acts of violence and drug-related crimes will not be tolerated, and law enforcement will work tirelessly to ensure justice is served.
Summary
In a disturbing case that shocked the community of Anchorage, Alaska, a second man has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for his involvement in a brutal kidnapping and drug trafficking scheme. Faamanu Vaifanua, also known as “Junior,” and his brother Macauther Christmas Vaifanua, aka “Mac,” distributed heroin in the Anchorage area between January 2015 and August 2017, using a kidnapped victim as a middleman. The victim was brutally beaten, tortured, and left for dead by the defendants, who then placed him in a metal dog kennel and forced a bystander to drive away with him at gunpoint. The victim received life-saving medical attention and suffered severe injuries and permanent disability.
Background
The case involves a series of heinous crimes committed by the Vaifanua brothers and their co-defendants. The defendants engaged in the distribution of heroin in the Anchorage area, using the kidnapped victim to facilitate their drug trafficking operation. The victim was subjected to a brutal assault that was captured on home video surveillance, which served as critical evidence in the case. The victim’s injuries were so severe that he was left permanently disabled. The defendants then placed the victim in a metal dog kennel and forced a bystander to drive away with him at gunpoint.
Case Details
Defendants brutally beat victim
The defendants, including Faamanu Vaifanua and his brother Macauther Christmas Vaifanua, subjected the victim to a horrific assault. The assault involved the use of an aluminum baseball bat, a metal broomstick, and physical force. The victim was left unconscious and suffered severe injuries, including brain damage and other permanent disabilities.
Distribution of heroin in Anchorage area
The Vaifanua brothers were involved in the distribution of heroin in the Anchorage area. They used the kidnapped victim as a middleman in their drug trafficking operation, further exacerbating the seriousness of their crimes.
Kidnapping of the victim
The victim was lured to Macauther Christmas Vaifanua’s home under false pretenses and then kidnapped. The kidnapping was a premeditated act intended to intimidate the victim and further the defendants’ drug trafficking operation.
Assault captured on home video surveillance
The brutal assault on the victim was captured on home video surveillance, providing crucial evidence for the prosecution. The video footage depicted the defendants and their co-defendants inflicting severe physical harm on the victim, leaving no doubt as to their guilt.
Severe injuries and permanent disability
As a result of the defendants’ brutal assault, the victim suffered severe injuries, including brain damage and other lasting disabilities. The victim’s life has been irreversibly altered, and he will require ongoing medical care and support for the rest of his life.
Victim placed in a metal dog kennel
After the assault, the defendants placed the victim in a metal dog kennel and loaded it into a truck at gunpoint. This act further demonstrated the defendants’ callous disregard for the victim’s well-being and their intent to cover up their crimes.
Threats at gunpoint and forced to leave
The defendants and their co-defendants threatened a bystander at gunpoint, forcing them to drive away with the victim in the metal dog kennel. This act of coercion and intimidation showed the defendants’ determination to avoid detection and escape the consequences of their actions.
Victim received life-saving medical attention
Fortunately, the victim’s life was saved when the person driving the truck stopped to check the contents of the kennel and discovered the injured and bound victim. The driver immediately took the victim to a hospital emergency room where he received life-saving medical attention. The victim underwent brain surgery and continues to require ongoing medical care.
Sentencing
Second Anchorage man sentenced to 35 years in prison
Faamanu Vaifanua, aka “Junior,” has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for his role in the kidnapping and drug trafficking scheme. The lengthy sentence underscores the severity of his crimes and sends a strong message that such acts of violence and drug trafficking will not be tolerated.
Comments from U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker expressed his outrage at the defendants’ actions, describing the kidnapping and assault as a calculated act of savagery. He emphasized that the Vaifanua brothers’ disregard for human life and their involvement in drug trafficking is an affront to society. Tucker vowed to work tirelessly with law enforcement partners to ensure that justice is served and that such vicious attacks are not tolerated.
Comments from Assistant Special Agent in Charge Donald W. Lee II
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Donald W. Lee II of the FBI Anchorage Field Office condemned the defendant’s cruel disregard for human life and suffering. He emphasized that individuals who threaten the safety of communities will be met with certain justice. Lee’s comments underscore the commitment of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute violent criminals.
Comments from Anchorage Police Chief Michael Kerle
Anchorage Police Chief Michael Kerle expressed his deep empathy for the victim and his hopes that the sentencing will aid in the victim’s lifelong healing process. Kerle described the abuse suffered by the victim as heinous, acknowledging the profound physical, emotional, and psychological effects of such trauma.
Sentences of other co-defendants
Macauther Christmas Vaifanua, aka “Mac,” was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for his role in the kidnapping and drug trafficking scheme. Jeffrey Ahvan and Rex Faumui, co-defendants in the case, have pleaded guilty to kidnapping charges and are awaiting sentencing. Tamole Lauina, another co-defendant, was sentenced to seven years in prison for being an accessory after the fact.
Co-defendants
Macauther Christmas Vaifanua’s sentencing
Macauther Christmas Vaifanua, also known as “Mac,” has been sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for his involvement in the kidnapping and drug trafficking scheme. Vaifanua played a pivotal role in distributing heroin in the Anchorage area and participating in the brutal assault on the victim.
Jeffrey Ahvan awaiting sentencing
Jeffrey Ahvan, one of the co-defendants in the case, has pleaded guilty to kidnapping charges and is currently awaiting sentencing. Ahvan’s involvement in the kidnapping and assault further underscores the egregious nature of these crimes.
Rex Faumui awaiting sentencing
Rex Faumui, another co-defendant in the case, has also pleaded guilty to kidnapping charges and is currently awaiting sentencing. Faumui’s participation in the crimes highlights the level of brutality inflicted upon the victim.
Tamole Lauina’s seven-year sentence
Tamole Lauina, referred to as a co-defendant in the case, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for being an accessory after the fact. Although Lauina’s sentence is less severe than that of the main defendants, it reflects the seriousness of his involvement in covering up the crimes.
Investigation
Investigating agencies
The Anchorage Police Department (APD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) collaborated in the investigation of this case. The cooperation between these agencies was instrumental in building a solid case against the defendants and ensuring that justice was served.
Prosecutors of the case
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephan A. Collins and Adam Alexander prosecuted the case against the defendants. Their dedication and commitment to seeking justice for the victim played a critical role in securing convictions and appropriate sentences for the defendants.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Description
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a program initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice to reduce violent crime through a collaborative approach. The program brings together various stakeholders to identify and address the most pressing violent crime problems in a community.
Enforcement efforts on violent offenders
One of the key components of Project Safe Neighborhoods is the focused enforcement efforts on violent offenders. By targeting the most violent individuals and organizations, law enforcement aims to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks, ensuring the safety of communities.
Partnerships with prevention and reentry programs
Project Safe Neighborhoods not only focuses on law enforcement but also emphasizes partnerships with locally-based prevention and reentry programs. By addressing the root causes of crime and providing resources and support for individuals transitioning back into society after incarceration, the program seeks to achieve lasting reductions in crime.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Faamanu Vaifanua to 35 years in federal prison for his involvement in a brutal kidnapping and drug trafficking scheme sends a powerful message to individuals involved in violent crimes. The case highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those who threaten the safety and well-being of communities. Project Safe Neighborhoods plays a crucial role in addressing violent crime and promoting community safety through collaborative efforts and partnerships. It is essential to continue supporting and investing in programs that focus on prevention, enforcement, and reentry to break the cycle of violence and ensure a safer future for all.
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Contact Information
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