Convicted sex offender flees Palmer courthouse, departs Whittier by sailboat

A Wasilla man convicted of child sexual assault fled the Palmer courthouse before he could be taken into custody Monday evening, then departed Whittier on a sailboat in the early morning hours before troopers could intercept him. A no-bail warrant is now active for his arrest.

Philip Thomas Phillips, 58, was found guilty of Sexual Assault of a Minor in the 1st Degree, Sexual Assault of a Minor in the 2nd Degree, and Harassment at the Palmer Trial Court. Troopers responded to the courthouse at about 7 p.m. on July 6 when Phillips fled before he could be remanded into custody. By 2:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, he had departed Whittier's small boat harbor on his sailboat and entered Prince William Sound.

The search has moved into some of Alaska's most remote water. Prince William Sound's bays, coves, and islands are accessible largely by boat or plane, making law enforcement coverage significantly harder than on the road system. The Alaska Bureau of Investigation is handling the case.

Anyone who sees Phillips is asked to call Alaska State Troopers at 907-352-5401.