ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A Spokane man was sentenced to two decades in prison for sexually enticing and exploiting a minor from a rural Alaskan village.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, Brian Powell, 41, of Spokane, was found communicating with a 12-year-old through social media, text messages, and calls consistently for five months. Powell went by the name of Brian Gaither and claimed to be 27 years old.
The attorney’s office said Powell enticed and coerced the victim, ultimately exploiting them to obtain child sexual abuse material.
Powell pleaded guilty to coercing a minor in August of 2023 and is required to pay over $35,000 in restitution along with an additional 15 years of supervised release. He will serve 20 years in prison.
“Your Alaska State Troopers will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold anyone that victimizes Alaska’s children responsible for their reprehensible actions,” stated Alaska State Troopers Colonel Maurice Hughes. “I hope that this significant prison sentence serves as a deterrent that criminally enticing youth comes with a steep penalty. Know that law enforcement will catch up to you and arrest you.”
“The Alaska State Troopers and Homeland Security Investigations Anchorage, Alaska, Office investigated the case. If anyone has information concerning Powell’s actions or may have encountered someone in person or online using the name “Brian Powell,” “Brian Gaither” or “Tyshawn Gaither,” please contact the Homeland Security Investigations tip line at (866) 347-2423,” the attorney’s office said.
