Alaska — A federal jury has convicted a Washington state man for his role in a fentanyl trafficking scheme that led to the overdose deaths of two individuals in Skagway, Alaska.
Following a five-day trial, 34-year-old Jacob Cotton of Spokane was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death, as well as distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
According to court records and trial evidence, between Jan. 1 and Jan. 13, 2023, Cotton arranged to purchase approximately 150 fentanyl pills in Spokane and ship them to an individual in Skagway for resale. Prosecutors said the plan was to capitalize on higher drug prices in Alaska, with both parties agreeing to split the profits.
At the time, authorities noted that Skagway had no fentanyl available, creating a high-demand market.
On Jan. 9, Cotton mailed the pills via the U.S. Postal Service. The package arrived between Jan. 11 and 12, after which the recipient began selling the pills locally, including to a 44-year-old man.
Within days, the distribution turned deadly. On Jan. 13, the individual distributing the pills—a 28-year-old man—was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead. The following day, the 44-year-old purchaser was also found dead in his home. The Alaska State Medical Examiner determined both deaths were caused by acute fentanyl toxicity.
A subsequent search of the 28-year-old’s residence uncovered 62 additional fentanyl pills hidden inside a computer tower.
During the trial, prosecutors presented shipping records, digital communications, and financial transaction evidence linking Cotton to the drug distribution network.
The jury also found Cotton guilty of a “death resulting” enhancement for both victims, requiring proof that the fentanyl he distributed directly caused their deaths.
Cotton now faces a sentence ranging from 20 years to life in prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal judge will determine the final sentence after considering federal guidelines and statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office, along with the Skagway Police Department as part of the Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs Task Force.
Federal officials said the prosecution is part of a broader nationwide initiative targeting drug trafficking and related violent crime.
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