Executive Summary
- Rodney Godwin was sentenced to a consecutive 20-year prison term for leading a drug trafficking organization.
- The organization distributed over 8 kilograms of narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, in Alaska.
- Godwin continued to lead the criminal enterprise from jail after his arrest in September 2023.
- Authorities seized over $192,000 in cash and multiple firearms during the investigation.
- Seven co-defendants were indicted, with several already pleading guilty to related charges.
An Anchorage man was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in federal prison for leading a criminal enterprise that distributed significant quantities of narcotics throughout Alaska. Rodney Godwin, 51, who is currently serving a previous 20-year term, received this additional sentence to run consecutively, effectively extending his incarceration by two decades for his role in trafficking over eight kilograms of dangerous drugs.
According to court documents, Godwin organized and operated the drug trafficking organization between April and December 2023, while already under indictment for a separate trafficking offense. Prosecutors established that Godwin’s organization imported and distributed over 3.8 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, and 1.3 kilograms of heroin within the state. Authorities noted that Godwin possessed multiple firearms in connection with the operation.
Law enforcement officials reported that Godwin was arrested on September 12, 2023, after failing to appear for sentencing in his prior case. Investigators stated that Godwin attempted to flee from a vehicle stop near motorhomes used for his drug operation but was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. A search of the vehicle and the motorhomes yielded over $192,000 in cash, significant quantities of narcotics, and loaded firearms. Officials further alleged that Godwin continued to direct the criminal organization from jail following his arrest.
Godwin pleaded guilty on May 10, 2025, to engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska confirmed that seven co-defendants were also indicted in connection with the ring. Several co-defendants, including Calvin Oktollik, Jennifer Godwin, Andrew Akulaw, and Page Peak, have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. Cases against Miles Apatiki, Reigna Archuleta, and David Henry remain pending.
Judicial Deterrence and Public Safety
The imposition of a consecutive sentence in this case highlights the federal judiciary’s strict approach toward recidivism, particularly regarding offenders who continue criminal operations while under legal scrutiny. By stacking the new 20-year term on top of an existing sentence, the court has signaled a zero-tolerance policy for continuing criminal enterprises that distribute high-lethality substances like fentanyl. This ruling reinforces the strategic collaboration between federal and local agencies to dismantle command structures within drug trafficking organizations. Regarding the co-defendants with pending charges, it is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
