Stowell indicted for sexual abuse of a minor

PALMER — A grand jury has indicted a 40-year-old man for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl, court records show.

Travis Timothy Stowell faces one count of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor for an alleged May 15 incident. Stowell was employed as a janitor at Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults, a community organization that provides services for developmentally disabled individuals in the community.

Authorities filed the indictment May 22.

Stowell had worked as a janitor at the nonprofit, according to executive director Jean Kincaid. She directed questions about the indictment to Stowell’s attorney, and said she would not disclose details about Stowell’s employment, including the dates, other than to say he is no longer an employee.

Stowell’s attorney did not immediately return phone calls.

Authorities issued a $20,000 warrant for Stowell’s arrest shortly after filing charging documents, and served it on May 27. Court officials arraigned Stowell in front of Palmer Superior Court Judge Eric Smith the same day. Court officials held a bail hearing Friday morning.

Stowell’s next court appearance will be at a pre-trial conference at 9:30 a.m., July 2. He remained in Mat-Su Pretrial Friday afternoon.

Second-degree sexual assault is a Class B felony. Stowell faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $100,000 if convicted, depending on how a presiding judge structures the sentence.

Contact Brian O’Connor at 352-2269, brian.oconnor@frontiersman.com, or on Twitter @reporterbriano.