A confidential informant for the Anchorage Police Department, 35-year old David Cargill, was found dead last month in the Mat-Su. He disappeared days after his identity was revealed to two men now facing state and federal drug conspiracy and weapons charges.
Information about the investigation into Marquis Eloi, 38, and Scotty Mataia, 30, was turned over to their attorneys on Oct. 11, according to an affidavit filed by special agent J. R. Crump of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Included were video/audio recordings of drug and firearm purchases made by "APD Confidential Informant 18-3." Crump's affidavit continues: five days later, on Oct. 16, police were alerted that informant was missing, and the following day Cargill's body was found in a wooded area near Mile 4 of the Old Glenn Highway.
Police have not officially confirmed Cargill was their informant, but his was the only body found that day in that location.
Crump's affidavit details a series of undercover drug buys and a stolen firearm purchase made by Cargill throughout the summer, as well as the circumstances that appear to have led to his death. According to Crump, Cargill bought oxycodone, cocaine and meth from Eloi at a location on E. 66th Avenue. Mataia was present for several of the buys, Crump wrote.
In early September, APD served a search warrant on the E. 66th property, where they found Mataia and a cache of guns, narcotics and tens of thousands in cash. Mataia was not arrested at that time. Eloi was found that same day at a location on Bragaw Street and taken to the hospital due to an unspecified health issue. He was arrested On Sept. 13 and posted bond that day.
Through the discovery process, Eloi's attorney was given the information that led to the APD raid, Crump wrote. Six days later, Cargill's body was found by a utility worker in the woods near the Eklutna Power Plant along the Old Glenn in the Butte.
During their investigation, APD found Cargill's body was wrapped in a large section of pink FastLine brand "Saran wrap-type material." Investigators also found a piece of blue painter's tape and a pair of blue latex gloves near the body. They then found a photo of the same brand of wrapping from the previous investigation at the E. 66th location, and used the photo to obtain a second search warrant.
When police returned to the property, they found a box of FastLine wrapping, a roll of blue painter's tape and a Glock 9mm pistol. They also found Mataia, who told them he provides night security for the business. When shown a photo of Cargill, Mataia allegedly told police Cargill was the person "who told on us."
According to Crump, Mataia told investigators he and Eloi were at the shop when Cargill stopped by on Oct. 14. Mataia allegedly told investigators he "slapped his ass, took his keys (to his vehicle) and kicked him out of the shop." Crump wrote that Mataia also told Cargill "that's what you get for snitching."
Police talked to other witnesses who allegedly told them Cargill was seen going into the rear area of the shop on Oct. 14.
"A short time later a scream was heard followed by the sound of a single gunshot," Crump wrote.
Neither Eloi nor Mataia have been charged in Cargill's death. However, on Oct. 26 both were charged in U.S. District Court with drug conspiracy and possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking. Eloi was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Those charges are in addition to state drug charges filed against Eloi; as well as drug, theft and weapons charges against Mataia. Online records show both men remained in custody Thursday.
Police spokesman MJ Thim said the department could not comment on the ongoing investigation. However, he did offer this statement:
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victim's family during this tragic time. We take the safety of everyone cooperating with our investigations very seriously. We rigorously follow all the appropriate policies and procedures when it comes to confidential informants. Any further discussion of these policies and procedures will jeopardize and compromise the safety of those involved."