Wasilla man turns himself in

WASILLA -- A Wasilla man was arraigned in Palmer District Court Friday on three felony charges of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor and one charge of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor.

According to court documents, Dale M. Harvey, 40, was charged with sexual abuse of a 16-year-old girl in connection with incidents occurring between June 2001 and July 2002.

The Alaska State Troopers/Wasilla Police Department's Child Abuse Investigation Unit received an initial report of harm in the case in June 2002. When investigators interviewed the girl she reportedly said that Harvey had abused her on numerous occasions over a period of years. Court documents reflect that the victim said she had reported inappropriate touching to a family member, but the abuse continued.

According to Investigator Ruth Josten of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, Harvey left Alaska after the allegations were investigated. Charges were filed on Oct. 25 in Palmer District Court and a warrant issued for his arrest. Defense Attorney Larry Wiggins advised the court Friday that Harvey voluntarily remanded himself to custody on Thursday.

In the absence of a bail request from either side, Magistrate David Zwink set bail at $50,000 cash with a court-appointed, third-party custodian, and set a preliminary hearing date of Nov. 21.

Harvey remained in custody Friday in the segregation unit of Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility.