Multiple agency crime suppression sweep resulted in 66 arrests and several drug and gun seizures

Spanning from July 19 through July 21, 2022, nine agencies joined together for an Anchorage-wide crime suppression sweep with a focus on violent offenders. Those efforts resulted in the seizure of multiple drugs, four firearms (one that had been reported as stolen), and $3,800 cash.  23 felony warrants and 35 misdemeanor warrants were served.  Additionally, 11 new felony charges and 29 new misdemeanor charges were filed.

The Anchorage Police Department (APD), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Marshals, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Alaska State Troopers (AST), Wasilla Police Department (WPD), Palmer Police Department (PPD), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. Postal Inspectors (USPS) all participated.  Regardless of which agency handled the paperwork and drew the case number, representatives from several different agencies were involved in each case. 

 “The cooperation of law enforcement agencies at all levels (federal, state, and local) is paramount to strengthening crime prevention efforts and increasing public safety.  This collaboration locally was highlighted in last week’s operation,” said Anchorage Police Chief Michael Kerle. “Working together we strived to reduce the crime rate and minimize the impact of criminal activity on families, our youth, and every member of this great community.”

The following are some highlights from the arrests made:

APD Case 22-23385:

A traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle at E 11th Avenue and Hyder Street that had illegally tinted windows and no license plates.  The driver, 23-year-old Issac J. Maeva, was charged with Misconduct Involving a Weapon II – Drug Crime, Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance III, and Violate Conditions of Release. He was remanded at the jail on an outstanding warrant. The passenger, 24-year-old Sophia I. A. Belton, was remanded at Hiland Correctional for Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance IV.

AST Case AK22073721:

A traffic stop was conducted at Debarr Road and Muldoon Road on a vehicle with illegally tinted windows.  The driver, 32-year-old Jeramie D. Ghrames, was arrested for Driving with a Cancelled License (DWLC). A bag from inside the vehicle was seized as evidence and subsequently searched once a search warrant was obtained.  Inside the bag was a stolen handgun.  Ghrames was additionally charged with Misconduct Involving a Weapon III – Felon in Possession and Theft II.  Ghrames was also on the Scofflaw List (multiple unpaid traffic citations) for over $3,500; the vehicle was impounded.

APD Case 22-23506:

A traffic stop was conducted at W 36th Avenue and Oregon Drive on a vehicle with illegally tinted windows.  The driver, 36-year-old Fale J. Moevao, advised officers there was a BB gun between the driver’s seat and middle console.  Officers located the weapon and determined it was a loaded handgun. The rest of the vehicle was searched once a search warrant was obtained.  Moevao was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on the charges of Driving with a Revoked License (DWLR) and Misconduct Involving a Weapon III – Felon in Possession.

APD Case 22-23646:

Officers contacted 31-year-old Albert P. Berry at W 9th Avenue and D Street; he had a misdemeanor warrant. Berry physically resisted during the handcuffing process, and he provided a name that was not his own.  Pre-trial Officers arrived at the scene and advised Berry had cut off his ankle monitor.  Ultimately Berry was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on the charges of Criminal Mischief III, two counts of Violate Conditions of Release, Resisting, Escape III, and False Information.