Former Anchorage attorney pleads guilty to federal drug-trafficking charge

A former Anchorage attorney pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing drugs with intent to distribute, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska announced.

The office identified the defendant as Timothy J. Benintendi, 43, a former member of the Alaska Bar. He entered the plea before U.S. District Court Judge Sharon L. Gleason.

Federal prosecutors say Benintendi used his position as an attorney to help distribute controlled substances, including oxycodone and buprenorphine, outside legitimate medical channels. The conduct prosecutors described occurred between 2021 and 2023.

Prosecutors say Benintendi used professional access and trust tied to his legal work while participating in drug distribution. The federal release does not say whether any clients were charged in connection with the plea.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of supervised release. No sentencing date was announced.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Anchorage Police Department investigated the case.