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Crime

Crime in Alaska is the arrests, prosecutions and incidents that state troopers, local police and courts handle statewide. It covers violent crime, drug trafficking, DUI arrests, assaults and homicides, along with sentencings and fraud cases in state and federal courts.

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June 2026

A Tazlina man faces domestic violence and attempted robbery charges

Troopers arrested a Tazlina man on domestic violence and attempted robbery charges after a reported assault on the Richardson Highway. The charges remain accusations.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: A Tazlina man faces domestic violence and attempted robbery charges

Troopers say a Fairbanks woman faked her location data to dodge a charge — and got caught anyway

Fairbanks woman accused of vehicle mischief allegedly tried to beat it with fake location data sent to troopers — but witnesses and her real data placed her there.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNewsadded 4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Troopers say a Fairbanks woman faked her location data to dodge a charge — and got caught anyway

A Ketchikan stabbing, and the jail violence the public rarely sees

A man at the Ketchikan jail is charged with stabbing another inmate with pencils — a rare public glimpse of the kind of violence that is common behind bars and rarely reported.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: A Ketchikan stabbing, and the jail violence the public rarely sees

Nome man indicted on 47 counts of sexual abuse spanning 16 years

A Bethel grand jury indicted a former Nome foster parent on 47 counts of sexual abuse. State troopers believe more victims exist.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Nome man indicted on 47 counts of sexual abuse spanning 16 years

Trooper stop near Glennallen nets fentanyl charge, felon-with-firearm arrest

Bad boys, bad boys. what you gonna do?

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Trooper stop near Glennallen nets fentanyl charge, felon-with-firearm arrest

Kasilof man leads troopers on 4-wheeler chase, caught with 2017 felony warrants

Bryan Gheen, 50, of Kasilof fled a traffic stop on a four-wheeler Friday night and was arrested near Soldotna with felony warrants dating to 2017.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Kasilof man leads troopers on 4-wheeler chase, caught with 2017 felony warrants

Two Sitka men face child exploitation charges

A statewide task force arrested two Sitka men within a day of each other on separate child sexual abuse material charges; both are held without bail and presumed innocent.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Two Sitka men face child exploitation charges

A fishing trip meant to help troubled teens ended in violence at a Kasilof cabin

Troopers say a teen set a sleeping man on fire at a Kasilof cabin during a treatment-program fishing trip. The man survived; the teen faces felony charges.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: A fishing trip meant to help troubled teens ended in violence at a Kasilof cabin

More from Crime

A record year for federal research-fraud enforcement — and Alaska's stake in it

Washington recovered a record $6.8B in false-claims cases last year. Alaska's universities run on federal research money, and Begich is on the oversight panel.

Melinda Communities.Newsby Melinda Communities.News4mo ago3 min read
Washington, District of Columbia
Cover image for article: A record year for federal research-fraud enforcement — and Alaska's stake in it

FBI, Troopers Arrest Unalaska Man on Two Child Sex Abuse Counts

Arresting one Unalaska man on child sexual abuse charges took two teams and Coast Guard and FBI aircraft, landing on two Aleutian islands at once.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Unalaska and Akun Island, Alaska
Cover image for article: FBI, Troopers Arrest Unalaska Man on Two Child Sex Abuse Counts

Alaska Charges 15 in $1.8 Million Medicaid Fraud Sweep

Alaska has charged 15 people in five Medicaid fraud cases totaling $1.8 million — though every count is, for now, an allegation no court has tested.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Alaska
Cover image for article: Alaska Charges 15 in $1.8 Million Medicaid Fraud Sweep

Supreme Court tax-sale ruling puts spotlight on Alaska foreclosure proceeds

The Supreme Court narrowed tax-sale payouts Tuesday. Anchorage's tax-foreclosure auction is Wednesday. No, that's not a lot of time.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Supreme Court tax-sale ruling puts spotlight on Alaska foreclosure proceeds

Saxman man arrested for felony DV assault with prior convictions

Alaska State Troopers arrested Floyd Jackson, 59, of Saxman on June 22 for felony domestic violence assault, elevated to a class C felony by prior convictions within the past decade.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Saxman man arrested for felony DV assault with prior convictions

Former Anchorage attorney pleads guilty to federal drug-trafficking charge

Former Anchorage attorney Timothy Benintendi pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking, using his legal position to distribute oxycodone and buprenorphine between 2021 and 2023.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Former Anchorage attorney pleads guilty to federal drug-trafficking charge

North Pole teen arrested after 100-mph motorcycle chase in Fairbanks

Alaska State Troopers arrested a North Pole teenager after he reached 100 mph on a motorcycle, ran red lights, and refused to stop on the Richardson Highway Sunday.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: North Pole teen arrested after 100-mph motorcycle chase in Fairbanks

Two separate Wasilla shootings Saturday — one suspect was a felon with three warrants

State Troopers arrested Christian Schaffer, 25, after a shooting in Wasilla early Saturday; he was a convicted felon with three active warrants found with a 9mm handgun and faces felony assault and weapons charges. • In a separate incident, Michael Melland, 46, was arrested after his brother was shot in the head; Melland faces assault charges.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Two separate Wasilla shootings Saturday — one suspect was a felon with three warrants

About Crime

Crime in Alaska takes in the offenses, arrests, prosecutions and sentencings handled by the Alaska State Troopers, local police and state and federal courts. It ranges from traffic offenses such as DUI to violent crime, drug trafficking and fraud.

DUI arrests, assaults and shootings, fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking, child sexual abuse material and embezzlement recur across the state. Federal prosecutors handle drug and fraud cases such as billing schemes against federal agencies, while state courts hear assaults and killings.

Crime overlaps closely with public safety and the federal courts. Scams that pose as city or borough invoices reach residents in places such as Skagway and the Mat-Su.

More from Crime

Fairbanks man arrested for DUI after crash injures three passengers

A 20-year-old Fairbanks man was arrested for DUI after a crash near Steese Highway injured three passengers early Saturday, with a breath test showing more than twice the legal alcohol limit.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Fairbanks man arrested for DUI after crash injures three passengers

Ketchikan warrant service leads to three arrests at one home

Alaska State Troopers arrested Teeka Edenshaw, 35, at a Ketchikan home June 12 after she was found hiding in the attic to evade felony probation warrants. • Murphy Charles was charged with first-degree hindering prosecution for helping Edenshaw climb into the attic. • Fred Reigard, 54, was arrested for first-degree failure to register as a sex offender, a charge he had a prior conviction for in 2023.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Ketchikan warrant service leads to three arrests at one home

Wasilla man faces assault, evidence-tampering charges in domestic violence arrest

Alaska State Troopers arrested six people in domestic disturbance calls across Mat-Su and near Glennallen on June 12 and 13. • Charges included second-degree assault, third-degree assault, weapon misconduct, and criminal mischief. • Five arrestees were held at Mat-Su Pretrial Facility. One was transported to Glennallen Post. • All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago2 min read
Southcentral Alaska
Cover image for article: Wasilla man faces assault, evidence-tampering charges in domestic violence arrest

Nenana vandalism spree under investigation; one suspect named

Alaska State Troopers are investigating three vandalism incidents in Nenana on June 12, including one case classified as first-degree burglary with extensive property damage and one suspect named in a rock-throwing incident near Market Street.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Nenana vandalism spree under investigation; one suspect named

Anchorage police to train 10 officers in mental-health crisis response

Anchorage police will train up to ten officers and dispatchers in mental health crisis response this fall using a $50,000 state grant and $1,100 in city matching funds.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago1 min readFrom
Cover image for article: Anchorage police to train 10 officers in mental-health crisis response

Troopers arrest Nanwalek man on domestic violence charges

Alaska State Troopers arrested Terence P. Swenning, 27, of Nanwalek on Monday on domestic violence charges including assault in the presence of three children.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago1 min read
Alaska
Cover image for article: Troopers arrest Nanwalek man on domestic violence charges

Mat-Su officers arrest two inmates on contraband warrants

Court Services Officers arrested two Mat-Su men on contraband warrants at separate correctional facilities within 24 hours, both already in custody on unrelated charges.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Mat-Su officers arrest two inmates on contraband warrants

Troopers arrest Nanwalek man on domestic violence charges

Alaska State Troopers arrested Terence P. Swenning, 27, of Nanwalek on charges of assaulting his partner in front of three children.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Troopers arrest Nanwalek man on domestic violence charges

Wasilla woman faces fentanyl, heroin charges after traffic stop

Alaska State Troopers arrested Wasilla resident Kristena Bannon, 42, on May 28 after finding fentanyl and heroin during a traffic stop, charging her with two counts of controlled-substance possession.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News5mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Wasilla woman faces fentanyl, heroin charges after traffic stop

May 2026

Troopers investigate domestic assault in Napakiak under attempted murder classification

Alaska State Troopers are investigating a domestic assault in Napakiak as attempted murder after a woman reported being assaulted by her ex-boyfriend Saturday evening.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews5mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Troopers investigate domestic assault in Napakiak under attempted murder classification

Troopers arrest three for DUI across Alaska

Seward man fled troopers at 100 mph on Seward Highway, charged with felony eluding and DUI. • Fairbanks driver arrested after REDDI hotline report of drunk driving on Richardson Highway. • Soldotna man stopped for equipment violation, refused breath test, blood drawn by warrant.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News5mo ago1 min read
Alaska
Cover image for article: Troopers arrest three for DUI across Alaska

Anchorage Police Publish 2026 Missing Persons, Homicide Solve Rates

Anchorage Police Department published 2026 missing persons investigation and homicide solve rate data on a new web page focused on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, providing accountability metrics for cases that disproportionately affect Alaska Native communities.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Anchorage Police Publish 2026 Missing Persons, Homicide Solve Rates

Pedestrian dies after being struck by two vans on Glenn Highway near Boniface

A pedestrian died Tuesday morning after being struck by two vans on the Glenn Highway near Boniface Parkway, according to an Anchorage Police Department statement.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Pedestrian dies after being struck by two vans on Glenn Highway near Boniface

Rookie Anchorage officer among three who fired in fatal shooting

Three Anchorage officers, including rookie Justin Miller, fired on armed 33-year-old Emil McCord near Bragaw and Reka Drive after midnight May 19. McCord died at a hospital. State prosecutors will review whether the use of force was justified.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Rookie Anchorage officer among three who fired in fatal shooting

Fairbanks gathering honors victims of unsolved homicides

Fairbanks Native Association, Doyon Limited, and city and borough partners held a remembrance gathering May 5 at Golden Heart Plaza to honor victims of unsolved homicides and call for justice.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Fairbanks gathering honors victims of unsolved homicides

Alaska seniors lost $8M to scams as programs expand to meet growing population needs

Alaska seniors lost 8.17 million dollars to scams in 2024, led by tech support fraud. • Senior population grew 78 percent since 2010 and now makes up 22 percent of the state. • State launched a mobile app to help seniors apply for eight public assistance programs. • Community programs are expanding volunteer services and elder abuse awareness.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Alaska seniors lost $8M to scams as programs expand to meet growing population needs

Alaska Passes Age of Consent Bill After Weeks-Long Senate Delay

Alaska raised age of consent from 16 to 18 after Senate delay sparked public outcry. • Omnibus crime bill also criminalizes AI-generated child abuse images and requires sex offender registration. • New rules make sexual assault by healthcare workers a standalone crime and expand parole board. • Lawmakers worried about compressed timeline but voted yes anyway.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago3 min read
Cover image for article: Alaska Passes Age of Consent Bill After Weeks-Long Senate Delay

Murkowski presses federal law enforcement on Alaska trafficking, missing Indigenous people

Murkowski pressed FBI on Alaska's missing and murdered Indigenous women crisis, 229 missing with 75 percent Alaska Native. • FBI launching tribal lands operation with Starlink communications for investigations. • DEA opening two Canada offices, intercepted 10 kilos of fentanyl bound for Alaska. • Murkowski raised Alaska's need for federal detention facility, Marshals director agreed to review.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago3 min read

Senate Finance hears omnibus crime bill targeting AI child porn, raising age of consent

Alaska Senate Finance heard an omnibus crime bill that would criminalize AI-generated child sexual abuse material and raise the age of consent for sex crimes to 18.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News6mo ago6 min read
State Capitol, Juneau
Cover image for article: Senate Finance hears omnibus crime bill targeting AI child porn, raising age of consent

Anchor Point Man Arrested After Assault, Vehicle Theft

Alaska State Troopers arrested a 45-year-old Anchor Point man April 28 after he allegedly assaulted someone and stole their vehicle on the Kenai Peninsula.

Alaska Newsby Alaska Newsadded 6mo ago2 min read

April 2026

Big Lake Man Arrested Twice for DUI in Three Days

A Big Lake man was arrested for DUI twice in three days, first in Wasilla on April 27 and again in Big Lake on April 29, both times refusing chemical testing.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News6mo ago2 min read

Wasilla Man Arrested on Domestic Violence Assault Charge

Alaska State Troopers arrested a 33-year-old Wasilla man on domestic violence assault charges after a disturbance on April 28, with a child under 16 present in the home.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News6mo ago2 min read

Fairbanks father's testimony drives push for faster body cam release

The House State Affairs Committee advanced a bill requiring police to release body camera footage within 30 days of serious incidents.

Alaska Newsby Alaska Newsadded 6mo ago5 min read
Alaska
Cover image for article: Fairbanks father's testimony drives push for faster body cam release

House Finance advances mail theft bill despite competing governor's version

House Finance advanced a bill making mail theft a class C felony, though the governor's competing version treats it as a misdemeanor and may be merged before final passage.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News6mo ago3 min read
Cover image for article: House Finance advances mail theft bill despite competing governor's version