Press Release

Attorney General Appoints New Bethel DA

July 18, 2017

(Juneau, AK) - The Department of Law announced the appointment of Steve Wallace as the new Bethel District Attorney. Mr. Wallace took over this position on July 10, 2017 after the retirement of Mike Gray.

Mr. Wallace began his career in 1982 as a police officer in the City of Kodiak. He went on to serve as a police officer in Barrow and the Village of Wainwright, before becoming an attorney and joining the Department of Law in 1989 as an Assistant District Attorney in Palmer. Since then Mr. Wallace has served in Bethel, Anchorage, and, most recently, as the District Attorney in Kodiak.

"I am pleased to appoint Steve as the new Bethel DA," said Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth. "Steve's breadth of experience has earned him the respect of the judiciary and local law enforcement agencies. I know he will do a great job for the communities of the Lower Yukon-Kuskokwim region."

Deputy Attorney General Rob Henderson describes Mr. Wallace as a diligent, objective, and honest advocate. "Steve truly cares about his cases and the people whose lives they affect. Throughout his career he has been active in the communities he has served and sets a tone where the dignity and rights of every person are respected without exception" said Mr. Henderson.

Mike Gray served as the Bethel District Attorney from 2015 until his retirement in June of 2017. Mr. Gray was a respected longtime employee of the Department of Law. During his 22 years with the department he served as the District Attorney for Kodiak, Fairbanks, and, finally, Bethel. He retired with our good wishes for a full life in retirement and we are heartbroken at the news of his untimely passing. Our thoughts are with his family in this difficult time.

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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.