Anchorage Man Arrested on 15 Counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor

samAlaska State Troopers announced on Sunday that a 67-year-old Anchorage man had been indicted on 12 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor I and three counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor II.

The indictments came as a result of a report of abuse of a minor on July 31st of this year. The subsequent investigation that took place at the residence of the 12-year-old victim resulted in a disclosure of abuse by the victim. Further investigation into the claims would find that there were two other victims at Merchant’s Mat Su Valley property, ages seven and eleven.

A Grand Jury indicted Clifford Merchant on Thursday and by Friday, warrants were issued for Merchant’s arrest.

On Saturday, Merchant was arrested by Alaska State Troopers with the assistance of Anchorage Airport Police.

Merchant was transported to the Anchorage Correctional Facility and remanded there with his bail set at $500,000 and a Court Approved Third Party Custodian.