A staff member for an Alaska Republican state lawmaker has been charged with multiple federal sex crimes involving a minor, according to federal prosecutors.
Craig Scott Valdez, 36, was arrested in Juneau on Friday following a federal grand jury indictment. The charges include sex trafficking of a minor, sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement of a minor, and receipt of child sexual abuse material.
The investigation was led by the FBI Anchorage Field Office in coordination with the Anchorage Police Department. Prosecutors allege that in October 2025, Valdez used social media to contact a 15-year-old girl and arranged a meeting for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Court documents indicate investigators have identified additional potential juvenile victims as the inquiry continues.
Valdez had been serving as chief of staff to Republican state Sen. George Rauscher. In a statement, Rauscher said he terminated Valdez’s employment immediately after learning of the arrest and described the allegations as deeply disturbing.
The Alaska Republican Party also confirmed that Valdez has been removed from any party-related roles.
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Valdez is scheduled to appear before a magistrate judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska next week. If convicted, he faces significant federal prison time. Federal authorities said the investigation remains active.
