Body camera image shows Gerry Pugal hiding inside a refrigerator during an October 2022 arrest operation at his home in Kodiak, Alaska.
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | February 2026
Gerry Pugal was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances that led to a fatal 2022 overdose in Kodiak, Alaska, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Alaska.
Prosecutors said Pugal helped run a local drug distribution network connected to a larger organization that mailed narcotics into Alaska from outside the state. Drugs were allegedly redistributed through lower-level dealers including co-defendants Ashley Katelnikoff and Kalani Coyle.
The case stemmed from an Aug. 25, 2022 overdose death involving counterfeit fentanyl pills known as “blues.” Court records show the victim purchased five pills for $300 from Katelnikoff, used at least some of the drugs, and was later found dead in a hotel bathroom. Toxicology testing confirmed a lethal level of fentanyl in his system.
Investigators continued tracking the organization after the overdose. In October 2022, officers attempted to arrest Pugal on supervision violation allegations and found him hiding inside a refrigerator in his home while carrying fentanyl pills and methamphetamine.
Authorities also intercepted a California-to-Kodiak shipment containing more than 880 grams of methamphetamine, over 50 grams of cocaine, and about 5,000 fentanyl pills with a street value exceeding $500,000. Law enforcement replaced the drugs with a tracking device before allowing the parcel to reach its destination as part of the investigation.
When the package was delivered, Coyle picked it up and transported it to Pugal’s residence before officers moved in to make arrests.
Pugal pleaded guilty in October 2025 to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death. The court also ordered lifetime supervised release after completion of his prison sentence.
Federal prosecutors said the case reflects ongoing efforts under Operation Take Back America and the U.S. Department of Justice to disrupt drug trafficking networks and synthetic opioid distribution.
Co-defendant Katelnikoff faces sentencing in 2026. Coyle previously received a five-year federal sentence.
Law enforcement agencies including the DEA Seattle Field Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Alaska State Troopers and the Kodiak Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Officials warn that counterfeit pills may carry lethal amounts of fentanyl. Law enforcement stresses that “one pill can kill,” a message promoted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
