An Alaska State Trooper stationed in Soldotna was arrested Wednesday on charges of child sexual abuse, the Alaska Department of Public Safety announced in a press release.

Benjamin Strachan, 39, faces one count of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree and six counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree.

After allegations were brought forth against Strachan, Soldotna, Matanuska-Susitna and Anchorage law enforcement investigated the charges.

The investigation found probable cause that Strachan sexually abused multiple victims within the last year, DPS said in the release.

“As a 29-year Alaska State Trooper I am saddened and sickened by these allegations against a law enforcement officer,” Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell said in the DPS press release. “The public places immense trust into its police officers and state troopers, and the actions of a single Trooper have now tarnished that trust.”

Strachan has been a state trooper in Soldotna since June 2020 and was placed on immediate leave. He is currently in custody at Wildwood Pretrial Facility and awaits arraignment at the Kenai Superior Court on Thursday at 10 a.m.

In the press release, DPS asked anyone with information about the case to contact the Alaska State Troopers in Soldotna at 907-262-4453.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.