A 38-year-old Kasilof resident was arrested this week on charges of harassment and sexual abuse of minors after a parent reported he had touched teenage children inappropriately.
Blake Distler is charged with second- and third-degree sexual abuse of a minor, as well as three counts of first-degree harassment and one count of second-degree harassment. Alaska State Troopers arrested him Dec. 10 after an investigation that began Nov. 19.
An affidavit included in charging documents by Investigator Edwin Anderson says troopers were told of Distler’s alleged conduct by a parent who said “multiple children” had been the subject of inappropriate contact by Distler. Anderson spoke to several parents and children who reported inappropriate touching often during hugs.
The affidavit says that Distler was charged with child molestation, sexual misconduct and assault in Missouri in August 2013, though only faced conviction for the misdemeanor assault charge.
Detained on Dec. 10, Distler told Anderson that he had inappropriately touched six minors, the affidavit says.
Per conditions of release filed Dec. 11, bail was set at an appearance bond of $1.5 million — of which 10% would need to be presented in cash — and a performance bond of $200,000 in cash.
Distler was arraigned at the Kenai Courthouse on Dec. 11 and next appears in court for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 20.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
