Richard Lee Cramer’s mugshots, provided by the Anchorage Police Department, show the man now facing multiple child sex abuse charges in Anchorage. Authorities say his alleged offenses span several years and involve multiple victims, and detectives are continuing to investigate.
Anchorage, Alaska. A long simmering investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving minors has culminated in a sweeping indictment of 72 year old Richard Lee Cramer, who was arrested late last week on multiple counts related to abuse of children, according to an official release from the Anchorage Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU). Anchorage Police Department
Cramer was indicted on December 18, 2025, on one count of Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the First Degree and seven counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the Second Degree. He was taken into custody on December 19, 2025 and remains in police custody. Anchorage Police Department
Police say the charges are the result of multiple reported victims tied to separate case files, including APD cases 23‑36329 and 25‑17115. Investigators also note that detectives from the Anchorage Police Department assisted the Homer Police Department in pursuing related allegations. Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward and are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Daniel Koch at the Anchorage Police Department. Anchorage Police Department
According to law enforcement, Cramer previously lived in Pennsylvania before relocating to Alaska in the late 1970s. While in Alaska he worked in a variety of roles in the restaurant, hospitality and recreation industries, and also volunteered as a youth sports coach. Anchorage Police Department
The official APD announcement included two photos of Cramer, noting that one was from 2004 and the other from 2019. Police are explicitly seeking additional reports from anyone who believes they may have been affected by Cramer’s conduct. Anchorage Police Department
Community Reaction on Social Media Was Immediate and Emotional
A Facebook post by the Anchorage Police Department about the indictment drew strong reactions from the public, with many commenters expressing shock, recognition and outrage.
Some locals claimed they recognized Cramer from years working at Hilltop Ski Area, suggesting he was a visible member of the community and may have had regular contact with children and teens. Several commenters said he lived in a small house near the ski area and worked there for years. Multiple people stated he was a boss or coworker and remembered him from years past. Other users expressed disbelief or sadness that someone in that role could face such serious charges.
Emotions ran high on the thread. Many commenters thanked law enforcement for the indictment and urged any victims to come forward, saying the indictment might encourage others to speak up. Others were visibly angry at the alleged conduct, calling for the harshest possible punishment and expressing frustration at how long Cramer was able to be in positions of influence around youths.
There were also heated and inappropriate replies, including violent rhetoric that would be improper to repeat in a news report, underscoring the intense feelings such allegations stir in the community.
Context and Legal Landscape
Under Alaska law, sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree and second degree are serious felony offenses that carry substantial prison terms if convicted. Police and prosecutors have made similar charges in other recent child abuse cases in Alaska as part of a broader push to investigate and prosecute offenses against children. Separately, federal and state efforts in Alaska continue through initiatives like Project Safe Childhood that aim to combat child exploitation and abuse. Alaska Native News
As of now there are no independent Pennsylvania criminal records publicly tying Cramer to any charges in that state, and no media reports outside of law enforcement releases directly linking him to prosecutions in Pennsylvania.
Ongoing Investigation
This remains an active and unfolding investigation. The Anchorage Police Department continues to ask for public assistance. Anyone with possible information or who believes they may have been victimized is encouraged to contact the department or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
As charges move through the court system, local court filings and future hearings will shed more light on the specifics of each allegation and potential punishment. Defense attorneys have not publicly responded to the charges at this time.
