Interagency Investigation Leads to Arrest of 18 Members, Associates of Violent White Supremacist Gang

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Alaska State Troopers Alaska Bureau of Investigation Special Crimes Investigation Unit and Technical Crimes Unit, among other agencies, have indicted 18 members and associates of the white supremacist gang called the 1488s. Charges are related to their alleged roles in a racketeering enterprise involving narcotics distribution, firearms trafficking, and acts of violence including murder, assault, and kidnapping.

According to a DOJ release, in a recently unsealed indictment, Filthy Fuhrer (formerly Timothy Lobdell), 42; Roy Naughton, aka “Thumper,” 40; Glen Baldwin, aka “Glen Dog,” 37; Craig King, aka “Oakie,” 53; Beau Cook, 32; and Colter O’Dell, 26, have each been charged with murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit assault and kidnapping in aid of racketeering.  Two other key members, Nicholas M. Kozorra, aka “Beast,” 29, and Dustin J. Clowers, 34, previously pleaded guilty to murder in aid of racketeering in recently unsealed court documents.

U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder for the District of Alaska notes that one of the priorities of law enforcement in the state has been to reduce chronic violent crime and combat violent criminals from unifying around racial hatred.

“While the violent crimes these individuals are charged with are certainly serious in and of themselves, their affiliation in support of a white supremacy enterprise is of even greater concern,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Peterson.  “This impactful case demonstrates law enforcement’s abilities to penetrate even the most secret organizations through cooperation at all levels and sharing a common goal.”

According to the indictment, the 1488s are a prison-based gang of approximately 50-100 members operating inside and outside Alaska prisons.

The gang is known for offering protection to white inmates as long as they “be white, look white, and act white.”

Members are often alleged to have Nazi-style tattoos. Once members are “made”- or enter the most respected ranks of the organization- they are given a patch which also symbolizes an act of violence done on behalf of the gang.

The indictment alleges that Filthy Fuhrer, Naughton, Baldwin, King, Cook, and O’Dell played a role in the August 2017 beating, kidnapping, and murder of Michael Staton, aka “Steak Knife.”   

Members of the 1488s are alleged to participate in illegal activity such as narcotics and weapons trafficking to generate income. The gang maintains a “detailed and uniform” organizational structure with “bosses” holding ultimate authority on decisions, while “key holders” rule activity inside penitentiaries.

The gang is believed to have been established in 2010 within the Alaska Department of Corrections by Alaskan inmates incarcerated within the Colorado Department of Corrections and the Arizona Department of Corrections through interstate compact agreements.

The FBI and AST Alaska Bureau of Investigation Special Crimes Investigation Unit and Technical Crimes Unit, the Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) Mat-Su Drug Unit, AST ‘B’ Detachment Major Crimes Unit and Criminal Suppression Unit, and AST’s participation in the Task Force Officer program led the investigation.  Investigative Assistance was provided by IRS Criminal Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Anchorage Police Department (APD), the State of Alaska’s Department of Corrections and the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS).