Press Release

Anchorage Man Convicted of Two Counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor

July 10, 2014

On July 9, 2014, a jury in Anchorage convicted 68 year old Jim Ferguson of Anchorage of two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the Second Degree. The conviction came after a two-and-a-half week trial where the young victim bravely testified about the sexual abuse she had endured at the hands of Mr. Ferguson.

The victim was only eight years old when Mr. Ferguson, a close family friend, took advantage of her. The victim did not report the abuse until she was 10 years old when she told a family member. The family member went directly to the Office of Children’s Services, who referred the matter to the Anchorage Police Department’s Crimes against Children’s Unit. Anchorage Police Detective Leonard Torres led the investigation and was assisted by Alaska Cares.

Alaska Cares is a multi-disciplinary service designed to treat and evaluate children who are physically or sexually abused. Alaska Cares participates and assists in the forensic interviews conducted by the Crimes Against Children’s Unit to ensure the welfare and protection of abused children.

Superior Court Judge Michael Spaan scheduled Ferguson’s sentencing for November 21, 2014. Judge Spaan could sentence Ferguson to 15 years in prison for each conviction for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the Second Degree.

If you are aware of the potential abuse of a child, whether physical or sexual, please contact the Anchorage Police Department at 786-8900.

CONTACT: Assistant District Attorney Jenna Gruenstein @ (907) 269-6300 or jenna.gruenstein@alaska.gov at the Anchorage District Attorney’s Office.

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Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.