Rare felony charge for man

WASILLA — A 20-year-old man was arrested Thursday on charges he gave methamphetamines and heroin to a 17-year-old.

The charges levied against Clay Katzmarek include first-degree drug misconduct, which is an unclassified felony in the same category as murder. It carries a potential penalty of 99 years in prison.

It’s the rarest of drug misconduct charges. In the past seven years, Frontiersman archives contain mention of just one other instance of first-degree drug misconduct being charged, and that charge was quickly dismissed in court.

“There has to be a three-year difference in age and you have to be able to prove that the person knew it,” Alaska State Troopers Spokeswoman Megan Peters said about the unusual charge. “That’s why you don’t see it very often, because by the definition of law there’s a high standard.”

AST Investigator Shayne Calt filed the charges and said it’s the first time he’s worked a first-degree drug misconduct case.

According to an AST press release, the investigation into the case began Feb. 14.

“The Mat-Su Drug Unit began an investigation, which ultimately revealed that Katzmarek had been providing heroin and methamphetamine to several juveniles ranging from 15 to 17 years old,” the press release states.

Katzmarek was charged with 15 counts, all but one a felony. Seven are those most-serious unclassified felonies, each carrying that potential 99-year penalty.

Troopers say they are continuing to investigate “additional victims and suspects.” Asked if that means they’re looking for more potential victims. Peters said they’re always looking for more information.

“We certainly are interested in anybody who is a victim of this type of crime to step forward. If anyone has information, please, yes, do give us a call,” she said. “If people can contact us with information, that’s excellent.”

Troopers can be reached at 745-2131.

Contact Andrew Wellner at 352-2270 or andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com.