Wasilla couple facing federal drug charges

ANCHORAGE — Federal prosecutors announced today a husband and wife from Wasilla have been formally charged with crimes related to what prosecutors described as a six-year, $1 million marijuana growing operation.

A press release from the U.S. Attorney in Anchorage identified the man as Trace Thoms, 46, and his wife as Jennifer Anne Thoms, 36. The couple was arrested Tuesday.

Prosecutors allege that over six years the couple grew marijuana and laundered more than $1 million in drug proceeds through two local businesses — Ace the Painter and Plow Now.

The potential penalties for the charges are pegged at 10 years to life in prison for Trace Thoms and between five and 40 years for his wife. Fines could total $4 million. Federal officials are also seeking the forfeiture of real estate on Scarlet Circle, jewelry, snow machines and vehicles.