A Unalakleet resident has been charged with multiple felony counts related to the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages, according to a complaint filed in the State of Alaska’s Second Judicial District Court.
39 year old Thomas Dickie Wilbur Alakayak is accused of violating Alaska Statute AS04.11.010(a), which prohibits the manufacturing, sale, or possession of alcohol for sale without a proper license or permit. The alleged offenses occurred over a nearly four month period from April 3 to July 16.
Unalakleet, a local option community, has a ban on alcohol sales. However, residents may import wine, beer, and distilled spirits up to certain amounts.
While importing alcohol to Unalakleet is legal, the complaint alleges that Alakayak’s subsequent sales without a permit was illegal.
The complaint alleges that Alakayak sold 750 ml bottles of Rich & Rare whiskey, each retailing for $12.99 in Anchorage. According to the complaint, the established rate in Unalakleet for such a bottle is $80.
Through search warrants, Alaska State Troopers (AKST) accessed Alakayak’s Cash App and Global Credit Union accounts. The complaint documents numerous transactions made by the defendant, oftentimes in $80 increments.
AKST also obtained invoices showing orders from Anchorage’s Gold Rush Liquor and shipments on Everts Air Cargo. They also accessed Alakayak’s cell phone and discovered messages to Alakayak’s wife, Jerilyn Alakayak, directing her to not respond to requests from potential buyers in light of AKST’s investigation.
The complaint outlines ten counts of the same charge, each classified as a Class C felony. Alakayak is scheduled to be arraigned December 2.
Jerilyn Alakayak was also charged with three counts for violations of Alaska Statute AS04.11.010(a)(felC).
