Troopers locate 60 of 100 registered sex offenders in Mat-Su sweep, arrest 17

Alaska State Troopers made 17 arrests during a three-day compliance sweep in the Mat-Su Valley, but located only 60 of the 100 registered sex offenders identified for checks. Teams attempted 99 of the 100 checks and located 60 offenders. The dispatch does not explain why one check was not attempted, or whether teams will follow up on the registrants they did not find.

The operation ran Aug. 10 through Aug. 12. Support staff assembled the list of 100 registrants beforehand, according to a trooper dispatch posted Thursday.

Fifteen of the 17 arrests were for sex offender registration violations, perjury, or both. One person was arrested for probation violations and one for violation of conditions of release. Troopers said the charges are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent.

The sweep drew about 33 officers and 14 support staff from the Alaska Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, Anchorage Police Department task force officers, the Wasilla and Palmer police departments, MATCOM, the Alaska Sex Offender Registry, the Alaska Department of Revenue and Alaska Adult Probation.

Troopers said the operation was part of ongoing efforts by state, federal and local law enforcement agencies to ensure registered sex offenders are complying with legal requirements. The dispatch is the only account of the Mat-Su operation troopers have released.