Key Takeaways
- Richard Lee Cramer, 72, faces multiple charges of sexual abuse against minors, with allegations spanning from 1992 to 2025.
- Anchorage police have identified multiple victims and seek additional information in the ongoing investigation.
- Cramer previously worked in various roles, including volunteering as a youth sports coach.
- Civil liability may extend to institutions involved, offering survivors a path for accountability and justice separate from ongoing criminal proceedings.
The Charges Against Richard Lee Cramer
Last month, the Anchorage Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU) announced their ongoing investigation into Richard Lee Cramer, 72.
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 arrested the following day. Cramer is currently in custody at Goose Creek Correctional Center in Wasilla, Alaska. Court records show that his next court date is scheduled for February 10, 2026. His attorney is listed as Timothy Ayer.
According to the Anchorage Police, “The investigation to date has identified multiple reported victims associated (APD cases 23-36329 and 25-17115). The Anchorage Police Department detectives also assisted the Homer Police Department in a related investigation involving Cramer. He was indicted on charges stemming from all of these cases.”
Investigators believe there may be additional victims in this case, and they are encouraging anyone with information related to Cramer to come forward.
If you believe you may be a victim of Cramer or have any information related to this case, please contact APD’s Detective Koch at Daniel.koch@anchorageak.gov. You can contact Crime Stoppers at www.AnchorageCrimeStoppers.com if you would like to remain anonymous.
What Prosecutors Allege
Per the Anchorage Daily News, “Prosecutors said Cramer sexually abused three minors 13 years old or younger in separate incidents that occurred last April, in 2023, and between 1992 and 1993, according to the indictment.” In the earliest alleged instance, prosecutors state that “Cramer had “‘occupied a position of authority in relation to the victim.’”
Background Information On Richard Lee Cramer
According to police, “Cramer previously lived in Pennsylvania before relocating to Alaska in the late 1970s. While living in Alaska, he worked in various roles within the restaurant, hospitality, and recreation industries. He also volunteered as a coach for youth sports.”
To date, law enforcement has not publicly identified specific employers, programs, or sports organizations associated with Cramer.
Public reporting has confirmed that Cramer previously worked at Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage, Alaska as a manager. According to Anchorage Daily News, Hilltop’s general manager, Trevor Bird, has stated that Cramer had not worked there since August 2021 and that they “mutually parted ways.”
Understanding How Abuse Can Go Undetected for Years
Child sexual abuse often comes to light long after it occurs. Perpetrators frequently rely on secrecy, trust, and access to children, and abuse may take place in settings where an adult is viewed as a caregiver, mentor, coach, or authority figure. These dynamics can make it difficult for children to recognize what is happening or feel safe speaking up.
Many children lack the language to describe abuse, fear getting in trouble, or worry they will not be believed.
Creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and taken seriously is critical. Open, age-appropriate conversations about personal boundaries and consent can help children understand that they can speak up without fear.
For many survivors, memories may resurface years later—sometimes after learning that others were harmed by the same person. This is a common and valid experience.
If a memory, concern, or feeling lingers, no matter how distant or unclear, it may be worth exploring in whatever way feels safest for you.
Support is available. You can contact RAINN for immediate assistance and support if you or someone you love has been victimized.
Understanding Civil Liability
While the criminal case focuses on whether Richard Lee Cramer is guilty of the alleged abuse, civil law provides a separate path for survivors to seek accountability, answers, and financial support.
Civil liability may extend to institutions that employed, supervised, or entrusted someone with access to minors if they knew (or should have known) about red flags and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. Civil cases can also help uncover broader patterns of abuse that may not be fully addressed in criminal proceedings, especially when allegations span many years.
Andreozzi + Foote is a civil law firm dedicated to representing survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation.
Our attorneys focus on holding institutions accountable through the civil justice system. This can include schools, youth organizations, religious institutions, or other entities that have a duty to safeguard children and vulnerable individuals.
Our firm offers free, confidential case evaluations so survivors can learn about their legal rights and consider their options.
Each person’s path forward is deeply personal, and we respect that healing and decision-making happen on an individual timeline.
Contact us today.
Image sources: Richard Lee Cramer, courtesy of the Anchorage Police Department, in 2004 (left) and 2019 (right).
