Press Release

Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Sexually Abusing his Foster Daughter

May 16, 2019

(Bethel, AK) – On May 15, 2019, 60-year-old Peter Gumlickpuk was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing his seven-year-old foster daughter. Gumlickpuk had previously pled guilty to an aggravated charge of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the Second Degree.

The conviction stems from incidents that occurred in 2017 in Chevak. Gumlickpuk’s wife walked in on him fondling their foster daughter while he read to the child from the bible. She confronted him, and he confessed to abusing the child. Investigation by Sergeant Teague Widmier of the Bethel’s Violent Offenders Unit, a dedicated unit of Alaska State Troopers, revealed multiple incidents of sexual abuse.

The child victim, Gumlickpuk’s wife, and another witness spoke at sentencing about the significant damage Mr. Gumlickpuk’s actions had wrought in their lives. They also spoke about steps they are taking to heal and their hopes for the future.

Gumlickpuk, originally from New Stuyahok, apologized for his actions.

At the sentencing hearing, Assistant District Attorney Dara Gibson spoke of the irreparable emotional harm Gumlickpuk had inflicted on the child victim.

Gumlickpuk’s attorney, Nathaniel Hainje with the Public Defender Agency, informed the Court his client had already begun taking steps to reform his behavior.

Superior Court Judge Terrence Haas sentenced Gumlickpuk to serve 25 years for one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the Second Degree. Gumlickpuk was also ordered to 15 years of probation. Gumlickpuk will also be required to register as a sex offender.

CONTACT: Assistant District Attorney Dara Gibson at (907) 543-2055 or Dara.Gibson@alaska.gov.

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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.