Release denied for sexual assault defendant

PALMER -- A judge has turned down Kevin Ricker's request to be released from jail into the custody of his mother following arrest on charges of first-degree sexual assault and three lesser charges.

Ricker, 39, a Wasilla resident, was arrested June 13 for allegedly sexually assaulting "multiple" female juveniles at various locations in the Valley since December 2001.

Appearing in District Court on Tuesday, Ricker sought Judge Ethan Windahl to appoint Gloria Maier of Wasilla as his custodian. The defendant also asked for Windahl to approve a work release program under in which he would work a few days a week in truck driver Mike Downs' shop, as well as helping Downs build trails.

Assistant District Attorney Bob Collins recommended against both requests. He noted Ricker's "long history" of criminal activity in South Dakota, Montana and Washington and "the nature of the charges, especially when we don't know if there are children in the area" where Ricker would live and work.

First-degree sexual assault carries a possible punishment of eight to 30 years in prison, and a fine of up to $500,000. Ricker also is charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor, and with incest.

He is being held at Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility pending $50,000 bail and release to a court-appointed third-party custodian. Windahl continued those terms of release while rejecting Maier and Downs.

"We need a tighter release situation, and I am concerned because there are family connections here," said Windahl. "I don't think it would be appropriate."

One of Ricker's relatives is alleged to be among the victims.

Court documents indicate Ricker gave alcohol and an estimated $700 worth of cocaine to at least one of the alleged victims over a period of several months. Ricker offered cocaine to another alleged victim, who said she refused to take it, according to court documents.

One of the alleged victims told Alaska State Trooper Margie Escobar that Ricker gave her marijuana, and gave her and a friend money for food. Ricker reportedly told the victims he would kill them if they told anyone about the cocaine or sexual acts.

Ricker's previous criminal history included DWI, theft and burglary, Collins said during the bail hearing.