United States of America v. James Markus Harries, a/k/a “James Harris"

Anchorage, AK - Anchorage Man Sentenced for Federal Drug and Firearms Offenses



James Markus Harries, a/k/a “James Harris,” 33, of Anchorage, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, to serve 110 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Harries previously pleaded guilty on Feb. 26, 2018, to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearm.



According to court documents, on May 31, 2017, members of APD’s CAP (Community Action Policing) team were conducting a crime suppression detail, when officers observed multiple traffic violations from a red Chevy Tahoe. APD subsequently conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, later identified as James Harries. Harries initially would not identify himself, denied having any identification on his person, and claimed to not know his social security number.



The investigation revealed that, inside the driver’s door of the Tahoe, Harries possessed a plastic bag containing 88.9 grams of black tar heroin. A black backpack was also found in the vehicle, in which Harries possessed an additional 319.61 grams of heroin, a stolen .40 caliber Smith and Wesson M&P semi-automatic pistol, and a .45 caliber Taurus semi-automatic pistol. The investigation further revealed that Harries intended to distribute the heroin in the Anchorage area.



The Anchorage Police Department (APD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case.

Defendant was sentenced to serve 110 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.