Press Release

Attorney General Appoints New Kodiak DA

August 10, 2017

(Juneau, AK) - The Department of Law announced the appointment of Gustaf Olson as the new Kodiak District Attorney starting September 1, 2017.  Mr. Olson replaces Steve Wallace who became the Bethel District Attorney earlier this summer.

Mr. Olson began his career in 2004 as an Anchorage municipal prosecutor.  He joined the Department of Law in 2006 as an Assistant District Attorney under then District Attorney Leonard “Bob” Linton.  In 2011, Mr. Olson became an Assistant Attorney General focusing on the prosecution of alcohol-related offenses in Northwest Alaska.  Since 2013, when he re-joined the Anchorage District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Olson has been a leader in the office prosecuting some of the most complex and high-profile cases in the Anchorage area. This includes prosecuting Jerry Active for murder and sexual assault following a brutal attack of a Mountain View family in 2013, in which Jerry Active received a sentence of 359 years.  In 2011, Mr. Olson prosecuted Kip Lynch for the double murder of his wife and child.  Also in 2011, Gustaf was named the Prosecutor of the Year for his continual dedication to the victims of violent crime. 

“Gustaf will be a great fit for Kodiak,” said Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth. “He takes on any task with enthusiasm and his interactions are always positive.  He is an outstanding ambassador for the Department of Law.  The communities of Kodiak Island will be fortunate to have an attorney of his caliber leading prosecutions.”

Deputy Attorney General Rob Henderson describes Mr. Olson as a career prosecutor who is dedicated to holding offenders accountable for their actions.  “Gustaf brings the right level of experience and energy to the Kodiak region.  Gustaf is an outstanding prosecutor and is always thoughtful about the effect a prosecution has on the community.” said Mr. Henderson.

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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.