Alaska Legislative Aide Charged With Sex Trafficking, Child Pornography

Craig Scott Valdez, 36, accused of using social media to exploit minors in Anchorage and Juneau

Feb. 21, 2026 at 12:00am

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A legislative aide for an Alaska state senator was indicted this week on charges of sex trafficking children and producing child pornography. Craig Scott Valdez, 36, was arrested in Juneau on Friday after federal prosecutors said he used social media to identify, groom, and entice juvenile females in Alaska for sexual exploitation. The indictment charges Valdez in connection with one 15-year-old victim from an incident in October 2025, but authorities believe he may have victimized or attempted to victimize other juveniles in Anchorage and Juneau.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of child exploitation and sex trafficking, especially the use of social media by predators to target and abuse minors. It also raises concerns about the vetting process for government staffers and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable youth.

The details

According to the indictment, Valdez used the social media app Snapchat to identify, groom, and entice juvenile females in Alaska for the purposes of sexual exploitation. In one incident in October 2025, Valdez allegedly picked up a 15-year-old girl at her home, drove her to his residence, and sexually exploited her. The girl's sibling alerted the mother, who tracked her daughter to Valdez's home and called the police. Valdez then allegedly fled his own residence.

  • On October 2025, Valdez allegedly picked up and sexually exploited a 15-year-old girl.
  • On February 18, 2026, Valdez was indicted on charges of sex trafficking and child pornography.
  • On February 20, 2026, Valdez was arrested in Juneau.

The players

Craig Scott Valdez

A 36-year-old legislative aide for an Alaska state senator who was indicted on charges of sex trafficking children and producing child pornography.

George Rauscher

The Alaska state senator for whom Valdez worked as a legislative aide.

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What’s next

Valdez is set to make an initial court appearance on Monday. Prosecutors have urged a judge to deny him bond, citing his status as a "compulsive child exploitation offender."

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust vetting processes and oversight measures to prevent individuals with a history of predatory behavior from gaining access to positions of power and influence, especially those involving interactions with minors. It also highlights the ongoing challenge of combating child exploitation and sex trafficking in the digital age.