A Sitka man is facing fifteen felony counts on sex-related crimes.
Brandon J. Snyder, 33, was indicted Friday on six counts of sexual abuse of a minor and seven counts of indecent viewing or photography.
Snyder was dismissed on Monday from his position at the Sitka Tribe of Alaska as the Home to School liaison for the tribe’s language and education department. He’s held the position since last winter. His job involved him in activities with the Sitka Boys and Girls Club.
Tribal Chairman Mike Baines released a letter on behalf of Sitka Tribe of Alaska, saying, “STA will not permit any person to use a position of trust to prey upon anyone, most especially a child who is a tribal citizen.”
The letter adds that STA is taking extra precautions to ensure all potential employees are screened and receive background checks. Snyder cleared all background checks at the time of his employment.
Baines said that STA has been meeting with the Sitka Police Department and Sitkans Against Family Violence.
“Our staff and counselor are pretty traumatized emotionally, but everyone seems committed to pulling through this,” Baines wrote.
Children or families affected by these allegations should contact the Sitka Police Department or SAFV at 747-3370.
Read the full letter from Sitka Tribal Chairman Mike Baines here.
