Press Release

Anchorage Men Convicted and Sentenced for 2012 Crimes

March 17, 2015

(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – Today, Judge Michael Wolverton sentenced 33-year-old Jesse Hess and 59-year-old George Thomas after each man pled guilty to crimes committed against a woman in Anchorage in 2012.

On November 30, 2012, Hess called 911 to report that a woman was dead in his bed. The investigation concluded that she likely died of alcohol poisoning. Thomas was convicted of sexually assaulting the woman while she was passed out. Hess was convicted of misconduct involving her corps after she had died, and for committing the offense of coercion while she was still alive.

Judge Wolverton sentenced Thomas to spend 15 years in prison and Hess to spend four years in prison. Judge Wolverton found Hess’ crimes to be among the most serious offenses of their kind. Both men will be on probation after they are released from prison. Thomas will be required to register as a sex offender for 15 years after his release from prison.

CONTACT: Assistant District Attorney Jonas Walker @ (907) 269-6300 or jonas.walker@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.