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Alaska Senator's Chief of Staff Arrested for Sex Trafficking

2/21/2026

26 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On February 20, 2026, Craig Scott Valdez, chief of staff to Alaska Senator George Rauscher, was arrested on federal charges of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
He allegedly used Snapchat to groom at least 11 juveniles, including a 15-year-old girl.
The girl's mother intervened after noticing intoxication.
Valdez has been removed from all positions in the Alaska Republican Party and Young Republicans.

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Story summary

On February 20, 2026, Craig Scott Valdez, chief of staff to Alaska Senator George Rauscher, was arrested on federal charges of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
He allegedly used Snapchat to groom at least 11 juveniles, including a 15-year-old girl.
The girl's mother intervened after noticing intoxication.
Valdez has been removed from all positions in the Alaska Republican Party and Young Republicans.