Wasilla man jailed on multiple sexual charges

WASILLA -- A 39-year-old Wasilla man has been arrested for first-degree sexual assault and other charges allegedly stemming from abuse of "multiple juveniles" at several locations throughout the Wasilla area since December 2001, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Kevin L. Ricker was taken into custody Friday at 11:28 a.m. He was lodged at Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility on $50,000 bail, Alaska State Trooper spokesman Greg Wilkinson said.

First-degree sexual assault is an unclassified felony punishable by eight to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 if it is the defendant's first felony conviction, Wilkinson said.

Ricker also faces two counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor, a Class B felony calling for up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000; one count of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor and one count of incest, both of which are Class C felonies punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of not more than $50,000.

Wilkinson said if Ricker is convicted it would be up to a judge's discretion whether sentences would be served concurrently or consecutively.

He remained at MSPTF as of Monday morning, with a 1 p.m. bail hearing the same day. Ricker's preliminary hearing at Palmer courthouse is set for 2:30 p.m. Friday.

The alleged victims were 15 and 16 years of age, according to a trooper news release. Wilkinson said it culminated a long investigation.

Ricker's arrest involved efforts by the Child Abuse Investigation Unit in Wasilla, the General Investigation Unit based in Wasilla, the General Investigation Unit based in Palmer, the Criminal Investigation Unit based in Palmer, the Criminal Investigation Bureau in Anchorage the Mat-Su Drug Team, all including trooper personnel. In addition, Wasilla and Palmer police departments have officers on the Mat-Su Drug Team.