ANCHORAGE, Alaska - U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska announced today the allocation of funds from the Justice Department to hire a permanent criminal Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) specifically focused on prosecuting federal cases impacting rural Alaska and our Tribal communities. This position allocation is a direct result of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's recent trip to Alaska.

On July 7 and 8, Acting Attorney General Blanche traveled to Anchorage and the Western Alaska communities of Bethel and Emmonak. During his visit, he heard firsthand the need for increased resources to address public safety concerns in rural communities.

Most recent reports estimate that Alaska's violent crime rate is 5.4 times the national rate. They also estimate aggravated assaults as 6.7 times higher and rapes as 3.1 times higher than the national rates. According to 2024 state crime data, 41% of murder victims from that year were Alaska Native, despite making up less than 15% of the state's population. These statistics are reinforced by rural communities, Tribal leaders and advocates from across the state sharing their experiences in rural communities. These include the destruction drug trafficking and substance abuse have caused in their regions and villages and how violent crime and drug trafficking are inextricably linked to one another.

This AUSA will work with law enforcement from across the state to review public safety concerns and pursue prosecutions for illegal firearms offenses, drug crimes, child exploitation, violent crimes and fraud. The job announcement is open and currently accepting applications. This job is open to all U.S. Citizens or Nationals.

"Violent crime and drug trafficking have devastated many of our Alaskan communities, particularly those in rural areas. While we've seen some recent improvement, Acting Attorney General Blanche heard our requests for additional federal assistance in addressing public safety concerns in rural and Tribal communities," said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. "I want to thank every Alaskan that has sat with me, members of my team, law enforcement and DOJ leaders to share their experiences. This new Indian Country/Rural Alaska AUSA will work with law enforcement in every corner of our state to pursue federal charges against criminals who target women, children and communities with their illegal actions."

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska is seeking applications from experienced and motivated attorneys who have superb research and writing skills, as well as a criminal law background and a desire to prosecute cases impacting rural Alaska. Interested applicants can learn more about the job opportunity by visiting the job postingLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on USAJobs here: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/877127200Links to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.

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