Press Release

Anchorage Man Convicted of Raping College Student

February 25, 2019

(Anchorage, AK) – On February 25, 2019, an Anchorage jury convicted 57 year-old Anthony Dillard of a single count of Sexual Assault in the 1st Degree.

The conviction stems from a sexual assault that occurred on the night of August 13, 2007. On that night, Dillard met the victim outside the Avenue Bar. Dillard and a friend struck up a conversation with the victim and then convinced her that the victim’s friend was waiting for her around the corner.

The victim went with Dillard to the alley behind the bar, and with the help of his friend, Dillard proceeded to forcefully rape the victim. Dillard and his friend then threatened the victim with retaliation if she reported the assault.

The victim reported the incident. Male DNA was found, but unfortunately, the victim was unable to identify Dillard at the time, so the case went cold since the Anchorage Police Department did not have a suspect.

In 2010, the Anchorage Police Report received an investigative lead and identified Dillard as a suspect. His DNA profile was compared to the sample mentioned above; the profiles were a match. Dillard was interviewed and denied ever having sexual relations with the victim.

Sentencing is scheduled to occur June 14, 2019. Dillard faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison.

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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.