Troopers arrest Charles Yingst in Big Lake on warrants topping $2 million

Alaska State Troopers arrested Charles R. Yingst on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, at a Big Lake residence, ending what the Alaska Department of Public Safety called a lengthy multiagency search. Yingst faced warrants exceeding $2 million.

The warrants stem from several fraud and escape charges, according to the trooper dispatch. Troopers took Yingst into custody without incident.

A Fairbanks-based Alaska State Troopers Criminal Suppression Unit conducted surveillance and traced Yingst to the Big Lake residence. Palmer-based troopers and the U.S. Marshals Service assisted with the arrest.

The dispatch does not state Yingst's age, his community of residence, where he is being held, or whether bail has been set. It reflects only the trooper account and contains no statement from Yingst or an attorney.

The charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.