Alaskan Lawyer Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

News Summary

Defense attorney Justin Facey, 44, has been indicted on serious federal charges including drug trafficking and firearm possession. His legal troubles come after a law license suspension due to multiple grievances. Facey is accused of facilitating drug operations and using his position to exploit vulnerable clients. With a minimum sentence of five years if convicted, the case has significant implications for legal accountability.

Alaskan Defense Attorney Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

In a shocking turn of events, defense attorney Justin Facey, aged 44, has found himself on the wrong side of the law, facing serious federal charges. Following his arrest on Wednesday, he has been indicted on multiple counts including maintaining a drug-involved premises and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment came from a federal grand jury as law enforcement continues to investigate the extent of his alleged criminal activities.

A Troubled Professional Journey

Facey previously operated from an office located on Eighth Avenue in Anchorage, but his legal career took a nosedive after his law license was suspended in February 2025. The suspension was prompted by a staggering 13 separate grievances and six fee arbitration matters over a span of three years, raising serious questions about his professional ethics and competence. In a courtroom appearance, Facey entered a not guilty plea to the drug trafficking and firearm charges just last week.

Allegations of Drug Trafficking

The allegations against Facey paint a disturbing picture. Prosecutors claim he was involved in facilitating drug trafficking operations for a cartel, allegedly headed by Heraclio Sanchez-Rodriguez, a California inmate. It is reported that Facey operated out of his Anchorage residence from April 2024 to April 2025, distributing and using illegal drugs, including dangerously potent substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine. During this time, law enforcement alleges he possessed four firearms, which may have been intended for use in furthering these illicit activities.

How Law Enforcement Caught Wind of the Operation

Law enforcement was first tipped off about Facey’s activities in June 2023, triggering an intense investigation involving multiple agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, and the Anchorage Police Department. Investigators soon uncovered communications that outlined plans between Facey and Sanchez-Rodriguez regarding drug transportation and illicit transactions. Text messages revealed discussions about drug-related matters, even hinting at plans to assist others in evading law enforcement.

Shocking Accounts of Coercion and Addiction

Further complicating the case, some former clients have described Facey in unflattering terms, depicting him as a drug addict and describing his behavior as that of “a pig” and “a disgusting slob.” Additional allegations suggest that he coerced clients into sex acts in exchange for legal services, highlighting a troubling pattern of abuse and exploitation.

Specific Incidents Under Investigation

One notable incident features Facey allegedly promising a pregnant woman methamphetamine in return for sex but failing to deliver the entire payment. This demonstrates a reckless disregard for the well-being of vulnerable individuals, adding a chilling layer to his already troubling charges.

Charges Against Sanchez-Rodriguez

The case against Facey is further complicated by the activities of Sanchez-Rodriguez, who has been indicted on federal drug trafficking and murder charges. Reports stipulate that Sanchez-Rodriguez was orchestrating a vast drug-trafficking operation from behind bars, with over 60 defendants having been charged in connection with his enterprise.

Looking Ahead: Legal and Trial Developments

If convicted, Facey faces a minimum sentence ranging from five years to a life behind bars, a potential outcome that underscores the severity of the charges he is navigating. His attorney, Nicholas Vieth, has begun working with U.S. probation to establish an inpatient treatment plan as part of a broader strategy for his defense.

A trial scheduling conference is slated for July 18, but experts speculate that the complexity of the case may push the date back by as much as a year. In an unusual twist, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska is recused from prosecuting the case due to conflicts of interest, allowing only select personnel to be involved in the prosecution.

A Call to the Community

Authorities are urging anyone with additional information regarding Facey’s activities to reach out to the FBI as the investigation continues to unfold. With each new piece of information, the disturbing saga of Justin Facey highlights a dire need for accountability within the legal profession.

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Additional Resources

• Anchorage Daily News
• NewsNation
• US Department of Justice
• FBI Anchorage Field Office
• Wikipedia: Drug Trafficking