Alaskan state trooper arrested on multiple counts of sexual abuse of a minor

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Wednesday, October 13th, 2021 4:56pm

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Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The Alaska Department of Public Safety and Alaska State Troopers arrested 39-year-old Soldotna-based state trooper Benjamin Strachan Wednesday.

Strachan is facing one count of alleged Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the 1st Degree, and six counts of alleged Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the 2nd Degree. According to troopers, Strachan had been a Trooper since June 2020 and had been assigned to Soldotna Patrol for the entirety of his time with the department. He was immediately placed on leave pending the outcome of the criminal justice process.

On Saturday, Oct. 9, the Kenai Police Department notified the Alaska State Troopers of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against Strachan.

An investigation including investigators from Soldotna, the Mat-Su Valley, and Anchorage looked into the allegations and found probable cause that Strachan sexually abused multiple victims within the last year.

In a press release Wednesday, Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner, James Cockrell, said he was sickened by the allegations.

“As a 29-year Alaska State Trooper I am saddened and sickened by these allegations against a law enforcement officer,” said Cockrell. “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. We are committed to moving forward and continue meeting the critical mission that the Department of Public Safety has of protecting the great citizens of our state.”

He also commended the victims for their bravery,

“I'd like to acknowledge the victim for having the bravery to come forward and bring these allegations to light," said Cockrell.

Troopers say no special consideration has been given to Strachan because of his position.

Strachan is expected to be arraigned on Oct. 14 in Kenai Superior Court at 10 am.

Troopers are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Strachan, or has information that would be helpful to contact the Alaska State Troopers in Soldotna at (907) 262-4453.

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