By Gretchen Wehmhoff

A Washington man who works in Alaska and suspected of distributing deadly drugs containing fentanyl in Skagway last year was arrested June 3 in Juneau. 

Skagway’s Police Chief JJ Reddick and Officer James Michels arrested Jacob Cotton (32) at the Juneau International Airport as he arrived on a flight from Anchorage after a tip from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA.)

Cotton is charged with misconduct involving a controlled substance in the second degree and manslaughter using a controlled substance – both Class A Felonies – in  the deaths of two Skagway residents in

January 2023, Anthony Bowers (28) and James Cook (44). 

According to SPD’s investigation, Cotton provided fentanyl to Bowers who then provided it to Cook. Bowers died Jan.13 and Cook died the next day.  It was believed, at the time, to be the first fentanyl deaths in Skagway.

In a probable cause statement filed in court, the pills were sent by U.S. mail from Spokane, Wash.

Reddick noted that the arrest came after a multi-agency investigation with SPD, Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs (SEACAD) and the (DEA).

“We would also like to thank the family, friends and community for the support and cooperation during this investigation,” Reddick wrote.

Reddick recognized Michels for his commitment to the case.

“His diligence in this case has been a huge asset to our community,” Reddick said.

Reddick expressed that the single arrest was not the end of the investigation and encouraged community members to utilize the P3Tips  tip line which can be found on the SPD website. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

“We are always willing to meet with anyone and my office door is always open,” said Reddick.

SPD extended their sympathies to the families and said they want to assure the community that the department will continue to pursue all leads in order to combat drug-related crimes.

Cotton was arraigned in Haines court with bail set at $50,000 appearance bond / $100,000 performance bond. A public defender was assigned June 10.  As of deadline he was in custody at Lemon Creek Correctional Center. A preliminary hearing is set for Haines court on June 14 and a grand jury was scheduled  for June 13.