Anchorage, Alaska – A suspended member of the Alaska Bar Association was arrested last week following a federal grand jury indictment accusing him of running a drug-involved premises and illegally possessing firearms while trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl. The case marks a shocking downfall for 44-year-old Justin Facey, a once-practicing attorney now accused of becoming a key player in one of Alaska’s largest drug conspiracies.
According to federal prosecutors, Facey began working with California inmate Heraclio Sanchez-Rodriguez in June 2023. Sanchez, 58, has been serving a life sentence since 1998 but allegedly orchestrated a massive drug operation from his prison cell using contraband phones. Prosecutors claim he directed the trafficking of meth, heroin, and fentanyl from Southern California to Alaska, charging over 60 individuals in connection with the case since October 2023.
Despite Sanchez’s indictment last fall on drug trafficking and murder charges, Facey allegedly continued operating independently. Court records show he used his Anchorage residence between April 2024 and April 2025 to store, use, and distribute narcotics. On April 30, 2025, authorities say Facey was found in possession of four firearms — a shotgun, a rifle, and two handguns — all allegedly tied to his drug-dealing activity.
The indictment charges Facey with maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of firearms by a prohibited person. As a known methamphetamine addict, authorities legally barred Facey from owning firearms.
Facey was suspended from practicing law on February 24, 2025, after numerous grievances and payment disputes were filed with the Alaska Bar. Prosecutors now allege that after his suspension, he fully transitioned into drug dealing, even thanking Sanchez in text messages for sending him packages of fentanyl. In one exchange, Facey offered to repay Sanchez with legal work: “We can credit it for when you need some legal work done, if you want?”
Authorities also detailed Facey’s alleged involvement in laundering cartel proceeds and helping co-conspirators evade arrest. In one intercepted message, Sanchez suggested using a private plane to fly an associate out of the country; Facey replied that he would contact a pilot and arrange the escape.
Despite boasting about cartel connections and luxury gifts — including a high-end watch and Bolivian cocaine — Facey’s personal and professional life was in collapse. Prosecutors cited an ounce-a-day meth addiction, 13 bar complaints, and allegations of sexual misconduct, including exploiting clients for sex in exchange for legal help.
Now facing federal charges and possible life imprisonment, Facey remains in custody after a judge tentatively denied him bail, he has pleaded not guilty. His attorney has not commented publicly on the case.
The investigation is being led by the DEA Anchorage District Office and FBI Anchorage Field Office, with support from the Anchorage Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer, appointed as a Special Attorney to the Attorney General, is prosecuting the case due to the District of Alaska’s partial recusal.
