Man charged with sexual assault after Thursday incident

PALMER — A 22-year old homeless man faces Class C felony charges of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor stemming from a Dec. 29 incident in Palmer.

According to Palmer District Court documents, Douglas Emil Artemie was arraigned on one count of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor aged 13-15, and one count of third-degree sexual assault-contact with an incapacitated person Thursday morning. According to court-filed police affidavits, the alleged incident took place around 6:20 a.m. Dec. 29.

Police allege Artemie, who was a non-blood-related family member, had inappropriate sexual contact with a 15-year old male. The alleged victim reported the incident to a parent. According to reports, Artemie left the home on a bicycle and was followed by the victim’s mother. Alaska State Troopers brought Artemie to the Palmer Police Department where, according to police affidavits, Artemie admitted to the offense.

Artemie was charged and remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial Facility where bail was set at $10,000 cash/corporate plus a court-appointed third party. He is scheduled for a Jan. 9, 2017 preliminary hearing on the charges in Palmer District Court.