Press Release

Palmer Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography and is Set for Sentencing

December 4, 2019

(Palmer, AK) – Michael John Clark Jr. pled guilty to one consolidated count of Possession of Child Pornography this afternoon in Palmer, Alaska. Mr. Clark pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement with the State where he agreed to serve a sentence of 20 years in jail with 5 years suspended. Mr. Clark will be subject to Alaska’s sex offender registration requirements. Sentencing has been set for the 4th day of March, 2020 at 3 p.m.

This matter only came to light because of joint work by the Parker Colorado Police Department and the Alaska State Troopers. Former Assistant Attorney General Thomas Aliberti, tasked with prosecuting Mr. Clark’s case, said “[w]hen prosecuting cyber criminals it is critical that communication and cooperation between law enforcement agencies crosses jurisdictional boundaries as seamlessly as the technology used by predators such as Michael Clark Jr. It is this cooperation that assists in identifying and eventually prosecuting these offenders to the fullest extent of the law.” He also noted, “The credit in this case goes to the Parker Colorado Police Department and Technical Crimes Unit of the Alaska State Troopers for working hand-in-hand and demonstrating their unrelenting dedication to protecting youth from exploitation.”

Parker Colorado Police Department Chief David King agreed, “The tremendous partnership and work by our agencies has resulted in a lengthy sentence that sends a message to criminals in our communities. We will vigilantly work with our law enforcement partners to protect our residents and apprehend criminals no matter where they are.”

“This case is a perfect example of why it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to collaboratively work together,” said Commissioner Amanda Price, Alaska Department of Public Safety. “Perpetrators must be held accountable to stop victimization. We must continue to form and foster positive and productive relationships and partnerships with other agencies and organizations to keep our communities safe.”

CONTACT: Assistant Attorney General Chris Darnall at (907) 269-6250 or chris.darnall@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.