 A DECADE IN FEDERAL PRISON August 08, 2009
United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline sentenced Hanson, 42, to 123 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute drugs, and sentenced Clearwater, 40, to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute drugs and maintaining a property for the manufacture of drugs. According to Special Assistant United States Attorney Christine Thoreson, who prosecuted the case, Hanson and Clearwater were ringleaders in an organization who arranged for the transportation of methamphetamine from Washington State to Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as coordinated the distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine once it reached Ketchikan. On more than one occasion, the two traveled to Seattle themselves, and were caught on the way back into Ketchikan with drug paraphernalia and drug ledgers. Moreover, they operated a marijuana grow out of their joint residence. Prior to imposing the sentences, Judge Beistline remarked on their extensive involvement in drug distribution in Ketchikan reaching back in time for years, and how it was simply unacceptable conduct from two individuals who have the skill sets necessary to be productive members of society. The judge also recognized that while drugs are a plague to the nation as a whole, they are even more so to a small community such as Ketchikan. The Ketchikan Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. A coordinated effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, and the Alaska State Troopers led to the apprehension of Hanson and Clearwater.
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