The charges against the former AG were filed Friday in Alaska state court in Anchorage. Ed Sniffen, 58, served as the acting attorney general from August 2020 to January 2021. Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica first reported in January 2021 that Sniffen had been accused of sexual misconduct.
Sniffen had been chosen to replace socially conservative and then-Alaska Attorney General Kevin Clarkson, who resigned in 2020 after media revealed he had sent hundreds of questionable texts to a female state employee. Kevin Clarkson wrote in his resignation later, “I regret that my actions and errors in judgment in interacting with a state employee have become a distraction to the good work and good people working in the state’s and your service.”
On the other hand, Sniffen drafted his resignation letter as the newsrooms were preparing the article on misconduct. He stated in the letter that he had decided to step aside “after discussions with family, and for personal reasons.”
Officials say the allegations against the former attorney general involve an Anchorage West High School student where Sniffen was in a position of authority in 1991. He will be arraigned Monday.
Nikki Dougherty White, now 48, revealed that Sniffen had the first sex encounter with her during a mock trial team competition in New Orleans. They continued their sexual relationship after returning to Anchorage, where the offenses took place at the homes of Sniffen’s friends and the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage. At the time, Sniffen was 27 years, while White was seventeen.
White came forward publicly for the first time upon learning that Stiffen had been appointed as the acting attorney general. Reached by phone Friday, White declined to discuss the details.
In a statement issued late Friday, the Department of Law said: “Within 24 hours of learning of the allegations against Mr. Sniffen, this office appointed a special prosecutor in the interest of justice, fairness, and transparency. Now that the charges have been filed, the special prosecutor will continue to make decisions independent from the Department of Law to bring the case to resolution.”
“The allegation that Mr. Sniffen took advantage of his authority to engage in sexual acts with the victim is disturbing and disappointing,” the Law Department statement added. “As attorneys who work on behalf of the State to hold people accountable, we expect to be held to the same level of accountability. This further compels us to be advocates for victims, and more importantly, clearly emphasize our role is to ensure justice for every Alaskan.”
According to an Alaska law enacted in 1990, it was illegal for an adult to have a sexual relationship with a 16- or 17-year-old who they were coaching, counseling, or teaching. Gregg Olson, the special prosecutor, said the charges carry a maximum of five years in prison each. In Sniffen’s case, he would not be required to register as a sex offender if convicted because of the timing of the alleged offense.