Woman sentenced to 12 months +1 day in federal prison for supplying fentanyl in Alaska drug trafficking ring

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A Washington woman was sentenced Thursday to one year and a day in federal prison for her role in a large-scale conspiracy that trafficked fentanyl, cocaine, and other illicit drugs into Alaska.

Erika Rene Willers, 29, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, was also sentenced to three years of supervised release in U.S. District Court in Anchorage.

Federal prosecutors said Willers served as a key supplier for the trafficking organization, working directly with alleged ringleader Aaron Wayne Washington to move narcotics from the Seattle area into Alaska.

According to court filings, Willers coordinated with her source of supply and provided Washington with more than 2,500 grams of fentanyl and roughly 13 grams of cocaine between March 2024 and March 2025.

Investigators detailed several drug courier trips arranged through Willers, including an incident in February 2025 where co-defendant Kenneth DeGroff was sent to Seattle with $24,000 to purchase roughly 850 grams of fentanyl from her.

In early March 2025, authorities intercepted Washington’s luggage at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport following a visit to Willers’ Washington apartment, seizing nearly 1,500 grams of fentanyl packaged with a shipping label bearing Willers’ name.

Law enforcement ultimately searched Willers’ residence in Washington on March 25, 2025, seizing 235 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, and thousands of dollars in cash while both Willers and Washington were present.

Willers is one of several co-defendants charged in the federal indictment. In April, co-defendant James Barber was convicted at trial on conspiracy and attempted possession charges for regularly retrieving fentanyl-laden luggage from the Anchorage airport for Washington. Barber faces up to life in prison.

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com