Well-known Alaska storyteller and artist Jack Dalton was arrested on felony charges after police discovered he had sex with a 14-year-old boy he met through a Craigslist ad.
Police began their investigation after the boy’s mother reported finding sexually explicit text messages from two men on the boy’s phone, according to charging documents. Police allege the boy posted an ad to Craigslist claiming to be a 19-year-old looking for sex in the Anchorage area.
The boy told investigators he met with two different men on separate occasions and performed sexual acts with them. Police were able to identify Dalton through phone records and photos saved on the boy’s cell phone.
After both encounters, which took place at the boy’s home, he stopped communicating with Dalton and the other man. Using the boy’s cell phone, Det. J. David DeLesline initiated a conversation with Dalton, presenting himself as the boy and stating that he was younger than 19 years old.
“I kinda figured. But I’m still talking to you,” responded Dalton. Det. DeLesline continued to converse with Dalton via text, as described in the criminal complaint:
Det. DeLesline: “Just by seeing me how old do you think I am?”
Dalton: “Honestly, I can’t tell nowadays. I would have guessed 14. But that just a guess.”
Det. DeLesline: “Good guess. I’m almost 15. That makes me feel better that you’re ok with my age. I’m looking forward to next week.”
Dalton: “When is your birthday?”
Det. DeLesline: “July.”
Dalton: “Ok. I do still want to get together, but we need to understand how dangerous this is for me. If anyone found out, I could go to jail.”
Det. DeLesline: “I’m not telling anyone. I’m the one looking for a good time.”
Following the conversation, police obtained an arrest warrant for Dalton and took him into custody on April 26, according to police spokeswoman Renee Oistad. He was charged with second-degree sexual abuse of a minor and taken to the Anchorage Correctional Complex under $10,000 cash corporate and $2,500 cash performance bonds.
Dalton was released on bail Wednesday and placed into the custody of his mother, according to District Attorney Clint Campion.
Oistad said no other charges have been filed in the case, but police have an active investigation that includes the other man the boy claimed to have met. Police do not believe there are any other victims in the case.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Shannon Riddle and Daniella Rivera contributed reporting.
