Alaska leaders express outrage over child exploitation charges against former staffer

Former chief of staff to Mat-Su state Senator George Rauscher, Craig Scott Valdez made his first appearance in federal court in Anchorage on Monday. Valdez, 36, has been indicted on multiple charges, including sex trafficking children. Investigators believe he may have targeted at least 11 other juveniles across Alaska.

In response to the arrest and indictment, the Alaska House Republicans released a statement, saying they are deeply disturbed by the federal indictment of Valdez.

“These allegations represent some of the most serious and reprehensible crimes imaginable and constitute a profound abuse of power and trust. While Mr. Valdez is entitled to due process under the law, the nature of the charges demands clear moral condemnation and an immediate, responsible institutional response.”

The statement goes on to say that all members of the caucus, not only as legislators but as parents and community members, are deeply outraged by the conduct laid out in the federal indictment, and were horrified to learn that someone allegedly capable of perpetuating harm to children operated in their midst.

“There is no place in public service—or in our society—for conduct that exploits or harms children. Individuals entrusted with public responsibility must be held to the highest ethical and legal standards, and allegations of this magnitude require decisive action, full transparency, and complete cooperation with law enforcement.”

The statement concludes that the caucus stands with survivors of abuse and exploitation, and reaffirms their commitment to protecting children and upholding the integrity of public institutions, while fully supporting the continuing investigations and supporting the prosecution of all crimes to the fullest extent of the law.

Meanwhile, in a statement released Friday, Senator Rauscher called the revelations a “shock to my office,” adding that Valdez was terminated from his job.

“I do not have anything more to say, other than we need the justice system to take its course as the process continues,” Senator Rausher said in his statement.

Valdez remains in custody at the Anchorage Correctional Complex, with another hearing scheduled this week to determine if he will be allowed out on bail or remain in custody.

The four charges Valdez faces are: one count of sex trafficking children, sexual exploitation of children, coercion and enticement of children, and sexual exploitation of a child.

If convicted, Valdez faces between 15 years to life in federal prison, according to the FBI.

The FBI is asking anyone with information about Valdez’s alleged actions — or anyone who may have encountered someone using the name “Craig Scott Valdez” or the usernames “NONAME20233132” or “DOCHANK” in person or online — to contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or submit a tip anonymously at www.tips.fbi.gov.

This is a developing story.