In a case that highlights the sexual abuse pandemic that has ravaged villages in Alaska for decades, a jury found 36-year-old David Paul guilty of six counts of sexual assault in the first Degree, six counts of sexual assault in the second degree, five counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree, and 11 counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree.

The convictions relate to the sexual assault and sexual abuse of six different children, between 2006 and 2013 in the remote Western Alaska village of Kipnuk. After hearing from 11 witnesses over two weeks, and then deliberating for seven hours, the jury issued its decision on Aug. 29.

In May 2021, one of the victims came forward as an adult to report abuse, saying she observed Paul sexually abusing a separate victim. During a several-month-long investigation, additional victims were identified and interviewed, disclosing that Paul also sexually abused them when they were children.

During the trial, the jury heard emotional testimony from all six victims.

“One victim explained that she never reported the sexual abuse because she was afraid that she would not be believed,” a statement from the Dept. of Law noted. “Another victim testified that he would shut down and go to a far-off place in his mind during the years of abuse. He testified he felt powerless to stop the abuse.”

A third victim testified that she “felt so alone during her abuse and she prayed that someone would walk in and make it stop,” the Dept. of Law stated.

The jury heard also found that several aggravating factors applied – five of the victims were considered vulnerable victims, and Paul has committed sexual assault, sexual abuse, or indecent exposure on at least one occasion that was not charged in the current case. Additionally, he was more than 10 years older than three of the victims.

 Sentencing is scheduled for Dec.18. Paul faces a minimum composite sentence of 65 years, with 10 days to serve.

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