Wasilla man charged with sexual abuse

PALMER -- A Wasilla-area man has been arrested on allegations of sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl.

Alaska State Troopers took Kevin Lee Stafford, 33, into custody Tuesday and charged him with two counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor and one count of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor.

Stafford was lodged without bail at Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility in Palmer.

The charges stem from an alleged incident at Stafford's home. A report by Trooper Leonard Wallner Jr. said the girl accompanied Lee Stafford to a wedding reception the night of Aug. 16, and they were joined there by Stafford's wife. After the reception, Stafford and the girl left in one vehicle for Stafford's home while Stafford's wife drove another car to the home of a female friend to spend the night, according to the report.

About 1:30 a.m., Stafford allegedly entered a room where the girl was sleeping, awakening her. He asked whether she could keep a secret, according to Wallner's report, and then asked if he could touch her. Stafford proceeded to fondle her breast and vaginal area, according to the report.

The girl said Stafford told her not to say anything about the incident because he would go to jail if anyone found out, the report said. Wallner's report added that Stafford allegedly told the girl it was OK for him to touch her because he had been drinking.

A medical exam of the girl by a doctor found evidence of sexual abuse, according to charging documents.

Stafford was arraigned Wednesday in Palmer District Court.

First-degree sexual abuse of a minor is an unclassified felony punishable by eight to 30 years in prison, according to Assistant District Attorney Rachel Gernat. Second-degree sexual abuse of a minor is a class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000.