United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ANCHORAGE - David Alan Gonzales, 55, was convicted on July 21, 2014, in a case involving the trafficking of methamphetamine in Anchorage.  A federal trial jury found Gonzales guilty of drug trafficking conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

According to evidence presented at trial, Gonzales conspired to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 52 grams of actual methamphetamine.  This case came to light when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified a suspicious package at their processing center on March 26, 2013.  The package had been sent to Anchorage from Anaheim, California.  Gonzales and his co-defendant, Albert Diaz Gumataotao, accepted delivery of the package on March 28, 2013.  Investigation revealed that the package contained 52 grams of methamphetamine.  A forensic chemist from the U.S. Postal Service Forensic Laboratory testified that the purity of the methamphetamine was 100%.  Though Gonzales was residing in Anchorage at the time of this offense, he has significant ties to the State of California, where he has lived most of his life.

Gonzales remains in custody pending sentencing.  His co-defendant, Albert Diaz Gumataotao, pleaded guilty on November 6, 2013, to one count of drug trafficking conspiracy.  On February 12, 2014, United States District Court Judge Sharon L, Gleason sentenced Gumataotao to 120 months of imprisonment.

Judge Gleason scheduled sentencing for Gonzales on October 9, 2014, at 1:30 p.m.  Based on the charges of conviction, as well as Gonzales’ prior California convictions for possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine for sale, Gonzales faces a sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of $20 million, or both.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Anchorage Police Department.