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Valdez Today
By the People, for the People
Alaska Lawmaker's Chief of Staff Arrested on Child Sex Trafficking Charges
Craig Scott Valdez, a former aide to a state senator, faces federal charges of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Craig Scott Valdez, the former chief of staff for an Alaska state senator, has been arrested on federal charges of sex trafficking and child exploitation. Valdez, who also served as the chair of the Anchorage Young Republicans, is accused of using social media and money transfer apps to lure and sexually exploit a 15-year-old girl. The arrest came after the girl's mother alerted police and confronted Valdez at his home. Authorities believe Valdez may have targeted other minors as well.
Why it matters
The case has sparked outrage in Alaska, with constituents demanding tighter vetting of legislative staffers who work with vulnerable populations. It also highlights the federal government's intolerance for any form of child sexual exploitation, with Valdez facing up to life in prison if convicted.
The details
According to court documents, Valdez used the Snapchat app to lure a 15-year-old girl to his home in Anchorage in October 2025, 'for the purposes of sexually exploiting the child to celebrate his birthday.' The girl's sibling witnessed the exchange of messages and alerted their mother, who used a tracking app to locate Valdez's home, confront him, and call the police. The girl was found to be 'exhibiting signs of extreme drug or alcohol intoxication' and had trouble walking and staying conscious. Valdez fled before police arrived, but the mother recorded the chat on the girl's phone and sent screenshots to law enforcement. Investigators have since found at least 11 additional victims after examining Valdez's Snapchat chats and Cashapp usage.
- Valdez has been in the orbit of Senator George Rauscher since 2021.
- Valdez served as the chair of the Anchorage Young Republicans beginning in January 2025.
- The incident with the 15-year-old girl occurred in October 2025.
- Valdez was arrested and booked into federal custody on February 23, 2026.
The players
Craig Scott Valdez
A 36-year-old former chief of staff for an Alaska state senator who has been arrested on federal charges of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Senator George Rauscher
The Alaska state senator for whom Valdez worked as chief of staff.
Anchorage Young Republicans
A political organization in which Valdez served as chair beginning in January 2025.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Craig Scott Valdez out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the urgent need for tighter vetting and oversight of legislative staffers who work with vulnerable populations, as well as the federal government's commitment to combating child sexual exploitation at all levels of society.
