Bernard Droege. Courtesy Anchorage Police Department
Last update at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16
ANCHORAGE — An Anchorage man has been arrested for sexually abusing two young victims and possessing child pornography, according to the Anchorage Police Department.
Police announced the arrest of 56-year-old Bernard Droege on Wednesday. He faces 28 charges — eight counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor, 10 counts of unlawful exploitation of a minor and 10 counts of child pornography possession.
Police spokeswoman Renee Oistad said in a statement that the investigation into Droege began after the parent of one of the victims contacted the Office of Children’s Services to report a sexual assault in June. OCS then contacted police.
Droege volunteered as a volleyball coach at the Boys and Girls Club of Anchorage and worked weekends at the Holy Rosary Academy for maintenance and lawn care, according to Oistad.
“We have evidence of all crimes we have charged him with,” Oistad said in an email. “None of that evidence points to any victims being related to his work places. The victims we do have are not related to his work places.”
Following the announcement of Droege’s arrest, Mary Beth Bragiel, vice chancellor of the Archdiocese of Anchorage, issued a statement:
It has come to the attention of the Archdiocese of Anchorage that Mr. Bernard Droege was today arrested on several charges by the Anchorage Police Department, which includes mention that Mr. Droege performed weekend maintenance and lawn care at Holy Rosary Academy.
The police announcement indicates that the alleged victims were not related to Holy Rosary Academy which is a private Catholic school separate from the Archdiocese of Anchorage.
The Catholic community shares concern and care for safe environments for all minors and vulnerable adults, and invites prayers for all impacted by this difficult situation.
The Church encourages anyone who suspects abuse of minors or vulnerable adults to always immediately contact law enforcement.
Anyone with information regarding the charges against Droege, or who believe they or someone they know is a potential victim, is asked to call Anchorage detective William Cameron at 907-786-8552.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
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