JPD sends Capitol slap case to Office of Special Prosecutions

The Office of Special Prosecutions now has the case in which a state senator is accused of slapping an Alaska Dispatch News reporter in the state Capitol.

This follows the Juneau Police Department wrapping its investigation into what Lt. David Campbell characterized as a harassment case.

Sen. David Wilson, R-Wasilla, speaks during a Senate Floor Session on Feb. 6, 2017.
Sen. David Wilson

Chief Assistant Attorney General Andrew Peterson confirmed Tuesday that his office had received the case, but wouldn’t elaborate. Peterson said he cannot comment on ongoing cases. It’s up to his office to decide whether to prosecute.

Typical criminal cases go to local district attorneys for consideration.

Alaska Dispatch News reporter Nathaniel Herz said Sen. David Wilson slapped him in the Capitol on May 2, when he asked for the senator’s reaction to a story. Herz had an audio recording of the incident.

Wilson has declined to comment on the incident.

Under state law, state legislators are immune to misdemeanor arrest while the legislature is in session.

Jeremy Hsieh

Local News Reporter, KTOO

I dig into questions about the forces and institutions that shape Juneau, big and small, delightful and outrageous. What stirs you up about how Juneau is built and how the city works?

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