Press Release
John Vinette Sentenced to Serve 60 Years for Sexual Abuse of a Minor
October 28, 2026
(Palmer, AK) – On Oct. 27, 2026, Palmer Superior Court Judge Jon Woodman sentenced 49-year-old John Vinette to serve 60 years in prison following his convictions for two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the First Degree.
In addition to the 60 years of active incarceration, Vinette received additional suspended imprisonment and will be subject to 15 years of probation following his release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Vinette pleaded guilty in March 2026 and admitted to a most serious aggravating factor. He was sentenced pursuant to a plea agreement.
Vinette's convictions stem from repeated acts of sexual abuse involving two children between 2020 and 2023.
Both victims addressed the court at sentencing, describing the profound and lasting impact the sexual abuse has had on their lives. Both spoke about the devastating betrayal of trust by someone who was supposed to love and protect them, but instead subjected them to years of sexual abuse.
One victim described the fear that continues to affect her, stating:
“When someone asks me what I am most afraid of, I never tell them the truth…the truth is that I am afraid of the dark. Not because of the unknown, but because I know what can happen in it.”
The victim also spoke about the betrayal of being harmed by someone she knew and trusted:
“Everyone warns you about the shadows in an alleyway. They warn you about strangers and dangerous places. But no one prepares you for the possibility that the person who hurts you could be someone you see at the dinner table.”
The State commends the victims for their extraordinary courage in coming forward and sharing with the court the profound and lasting impact the sexual abuse has had on their lives. Their bravery in speaking about the abuse they endured, and its lasting impact deserves recognition and respect.
Assistant District Attorney Melissa Wininger-Howard prosecuted the case. The Alaska State Troopers Child Abuse Investigation Unit conducted the investigation.
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Department Media Contact: Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.
Due to resource constraints, we no longer post links to referenced records. Records filed in a federal court are readily available at Docket Search or PACER, and records filed in a State of Alaska court are readily available from the Alaska Court System (Trial Courts - Alaska Court System and Search for an Appellate Case). Contact Sam Curtis to request a referenced record that is not readily available from a court or on the internet, or contact law.recordsrequest@alaska.gov to submit a formal Alaska Public Records Act request.