On April 7th, at approximately 7:24 p.m., Alaska State Troopers received a call reporting the theft of keys to the local laundromat at the Cantwell gas station with the suspects who left driving on Parks Hwy.
AST responded, and with the assistance of residents who were made aware of the suspect vehicle, the vehicle was quickly located near the McKinley Village Community Center.
Investigation revealed the driver, Richard Simms, age 34, of North Pole, had stolen keys to the Laundromat, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for failing to remand himself for jail time, and was driving while his license was Revoked. He was arrested and remanded to FCC (Fairbanks Correctional Center) and held without bail for the warrant and new charges of Theft 4th Degree and DWLR.
A passenger, Preston Husted, age 47, of Anchorage, was a convicted Felon and was found by Troopers to be in possession of methamphetamine & fentanyl packaged for distribution and in possession of a loaded handgun. Preston was also remanded to FCC and held without bail for Minor in Consumption in 3rd Degree (X2) for possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, MICS 4 (X2) for possessing Meth and Fentanyl (with prior convictions for similar conduct), and MIW 2 (for possession of a handgun while possessing drugs with intent to distribute), and MIW 3 (Felon in Possession).
Another passenger was identified as Jessica Sansing, 40, of Fairbanks. She was found in possession of two other people’s IDs in her purse/wallet. Sansing claimed to have found the IDs (one over a year ago) and put them in her wallet but never contacted police or attempted to turn in the lost or misplaced IDs. Sensing was arrested and charged with Theft in the second Degree.
The last passenger was identified as Silas Williams, age 41, from Anchorage. Silas was found in possession of a user’s amount of methamphetamine. Silas was released with a promise to appear in court on a MICS 5th-degree misdemeanor charge for possession of crystal methamphetamine.
AST would like to thank the local residents who quickly shared the suspect vehicle description after learning someone tried that in a small town. The local residents were able to locate the vehicle and provide updates to Troopers, ultimately allowing Troopers to investigate and arrest those involved successfully.