Press Release

Wasilla Man charged in 10 count indictment alleging possession of child pornography

September 27, 2019

(Wasilla, AK) – As a result of an ongoing investigation by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation (“ABI”), a Palmer Grand Jury indicted Wasilla resident Michael J. Cassista for 10 counts of Possession of Child Pornography on Thursday, September 26, 2019. These charges were brought before the Grand Jury by Chris Darnall, the Office of Special Prosecutions’ Statewide Internet Crimes Against Children (“ICAC”) Prosecutor in cooperation with ABI and the Palmer District Attorney’s Office.

Cassista is a long-time valley resident and worked as a nurse for the State of Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services. He currently faces a potential sentence of two to 99 years on each indicted count should he be convicted after a trial. Cassista is currently at large and a warrant for his arrest has been issued in the amount of $20,000 cash plus a court approved third-party custodian.

Any individuals with information regarding Cassista’s whereabouts or other activities should contact Investigator Eric Taylor with the ABI Technical Crimes Unit at 907-375-7711 or by email at eric.taylor2@alaska.gov.

CONTACT: Assistant Attorney General Chris Darnall at (907) 269-6250 or chris.darnall@alaska.gov.

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Department Media Contact: Senior Assistant Attorney General Cori Mills at (907) 465-2132 or cori.mills@alaska.gov.