An Alaska State Trooper was arrested on Wednesday in Soldotna for multiple counts of sexual abuse of a minor, said the Department of Public Safety commissioner James Cockrell in a news conference. (Juneau Empire File)

An Alaska State Trooper was arrested on Wednesday in Soldotna for multiple counts of sexual abuse of a minor, said the Department of Public Safety commissioner James Cockrell in a news conference. (Juneau Empire File)

State trooper arrested on child sex abuse charges

The suspect has been a trooper for two years.

An Alaska State Trooper was arrested Wednesday in Soldotna on multiple charges of sexual abuse of a minor, state officials said.

Benjamin Strachan, 39, was arrested on charges of six counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor and one count of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor, according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

“As a 29-year Alaska State Trooper I am saddened and sickened by these allegations against a law enforcement officer,” said Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell in a news release. “The public places immense trust into its police officers and state troopers, and the actions of a single trooper have now tarnished that trust and the badge that hundreds of brave men and women wear each day across our great state.”

[Experts urge flu shots ASAP]

The Kenai Police Department notified troopers of an allegation against Strachan on Oct. 9, 2021, according to the public safety department. Investigators began looking into the allegations and found probable cause that Strachan abused multiple victims within the last year.

Col. Bryan Barlow, director of the Alaska State Troopers, said the investigation is just beginning.

“We would like to acknowledge the victim for having the bravery to come forward and bring these allegations to law enforcement,” Barlow said. “Today we are making these allegations and this arrest public to ensure that Alaskans have faith in the criminal justice process, and that they understand that we will hold anyone, regardless of their job or status in our society, that victimizes Alaskans accountable.”

Cockrell said Strachan has been a trooper for about two years, and is not known to have prior law enforcement experiences, and that there were no indicators of behavior similar to the allegations during Strachan’s background check on entry to the troopers. Barlow said that he couldn’t comment on whether law enforcement officials expected more victims to come forward, but that the investigation had just begun.

Strachan will be arraigned in Kenai Superior Court on Thursday morning. Strachan is currently on administrative leave, said Austin McDaniel, acting communications director for the troopers.

Those who believe they may have been a victim or have more information about Strachan’s alleged activities are asked to call the troopers in Soldotna at (907) 262-4453.

• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast for the week of March 18

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

A board in the House Chambers at the Alaska State Capitol shows Monday’s vote tally of 39-20 to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of Senate Bill 140, one vote short of the two-thirds necessary. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Legislature fails by a single vote of 39-20 to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of education bill

Legislators warn bad blood may hamper other issues as numerous Republicans abandon earlier support.

With COVID-19 aid, more schools gave students and families experiencing homelessness prepaid cards to buy necessities like groceries and gas. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)
Grocery cards and car repairs: How COVID aid changed the way schools can help homeless kids

Juneau student services specialist among those finding creative ways to provide assistance.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturay, March 16, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, March 15, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy discusses his veto of a wide-ranging education bill during a press conference Friday at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Veto override vote on education bill expected to have consequences — and no assurance of extra funds

Retaliation by governor, fractured relationships within Legislature on other issues among concerns.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Thursday, March 14, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Kaskanak Creek in the Bristol Bay’s Kvichak watershed is seen from the air on Sept. 27, 2011. Threats to the watershed and other sites were cited by the Environmental Protection Agency when it issued a decision barring permitting of the Pebble mine. But the Dunleavy administration and Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. have taken legal action to try to reverse that decision. (Photo provided by Environmental Protection Agency
State lawsuit claims federal government owes Alaska $700 billion for quashing Pebble mine

The federal government owes Alaska more than $700 billion in compensation for… Continue reading

Tongass National Forest (Photo by U.S. Forest Service)
New Department of Interior opinion promises to recognize expanded tribal jurisdiction in Alaska

Tribes can exert jurisdiction over allotments granted to individual Natives, opinion states.

Most Read