Press Release
Russian Mission Man Indicted for Kidnapping and Sexual Abuse After Abducting a 10-Year-Old and Attempting to Abduct Another Child Days Later
April 27, 2021
(Bethel, AK) – On April 22, a Bethel grand jury indicted 60-year-old Stanley Vaska on one count of Kidnapping, one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the Second Degree, two counts of Assault in the Third Degree and one count of Attempted Kidnapping. The indictment is based on incidents that occurred in Russian Mission on October 24, 2020 and October 31, 2020. Vaska is alleged to have abducted 10-year-old C.P. after attacking him with a stick and causing him to lose consciousness. C.P. reported waking up with his arms, legs and mouth bound with duct tape. He disclosed that when he awoke, Vaska was touching his penis. Vaska allegedly strangled C.P. and then dragged him to a nearby residence where he was recovered. On October 31, 10-year-old A.M. was allegedly walking past Vaska’s house when Vaska ordered her to come to him. A.M. reported being afraid because Vaska was holding a roll of duct tape and knife. A.M. ran and Vaska chased after her. A struggle ensued when A.M. slid on ice, and she was able to escape Vaska by kicking him in the nose, causing him to bleed. In 1985, Vaska was convicted of Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the Second Degree and, in 2001, he was convicted of Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the First Degree.
If convicted at trial, Mr. Vaska faces sentences of up to 99 years’ imprisonment for the kidnapping, sexual abuse of a minor, and attempted kidnapping charges. He faces up to five years for the Assault charges.
This incident was investigated by the Alaska State Troopers.
These charges are only allegations and are not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mr. Vaska is currently in custody on $250,000 cash bail.
CONTACT: Bethel District Attorney Tom Hoffer at (907) 543-2055.
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Department Media Contact: Assistant Attorney General Charlotte Rand.