An ACNA deacon has been arrested by state troopers in Alaska and charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor. The Rev Craig Daugherty (58), a deacon at St George’s Anglican Church in Fairbanks, who works as a civilian contract employee at Fort Wainwright army base as director of religious education, was arraigned last Wednesday before the Fairbanks Superior Court. A bond of $300,000 was set for his release.
Station KTVF reported the affidavit signed by state investigators claimed Daugheryy had abused a child since 2021, but was only being charged with two incidents of skin to skin genital contact with the minor. The affidavit further stated Daughtery admitted to two instances of sexual contact but said the child had initiated the encounter.
Canonically resident in the Jurisdiction for the Armed Forces, Daugherty has been suspended from the exercise of his ministry by the Rt. Rev. Derek Jones. The inhibition remains in force pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings, a spokesman said, noting ecclesial disciplinary proceedings will follow also.
The arrest of Daugherty came as a shock to clergy and lay leaders of the diocese of Cascadia, which has jurisdiction in Alaska. Daughtery was the safeguarding office for St George’s, a spokesman noted, and his actions were seen as great betrayal.
The case continues.
