A Fairbanks man pleaded guilty Wednesday to attempting to sell fentanyl powder in November 2024 in exchange for a three-year prison sentence.
Kristiaan Vaughn Veer, 43, pleaded guilty to felony attempted second-degree misconduct involving controlled substances. His sentence includes three years, with two years suspended, and three years of probation.
The state dismissed charges of felony second-degree drug misconduct and felony second-degree weapons misconduct on March 25.
Assistant Public Defender Christopher Lough represented Veer, and Assistant Attorney General Katholyn Runnels represented the state.
According to a criminal complaint, investigators found fentanyl powder, fentanyl pills, a digital scale, small plastic containers, more than $1,800 in cash, and a handgun reported stolen in 2003 when they searched Veer’s residence on Old Steese Highway North on Nov. 8, 2024.
Veer told investigators he had been selling fentanyl powder and pills. He said he sold the powder for $60 per point and each blue pill for $10 to $20. Two ounces of fentanyl powder have an estimated street value of $30,000, according to the complaint.
Veer was previously convicted in Alaska of manufacturing controlled substances, as well as misdemeanor driving under the influence. He also has a conviction for cocaine possession outside of Alaska.
“I’m doing with drugs, completely and utterly done,” Veer told the court Wednesday. He said he fell back on “bad habits” after multiple family members died.
Superior Court Judge Earl Peterson told Veer, “You’re being given a chance. Don’t blow it.”
As part of his probation, Veer is prohibited from using marijuana without a prescription, using illegal drugs, or possessing drug paraphernalia. He must submit to drug testing at the request of his probation officer and participate in a substance use evaluation.
Runnels said the agreement primarily focuses on rehabilitation, as well as isolation and deterrence.
She noted that Veer was very cooperative with law enforcement and “he is here fairly quickly taking responsibility to his actions.”
Contact Haley Lehman at 907-459-7575 or by email at hlehman@newsminer.com.
