Two Convictions for Sex Crimes in Anchorage Result in Decades-Long Sentences

Strategic Insights -

Prosecutors from the Office of the Alaska Attorney General, in collaboration with the Anchorage Police Department's Special Victims Unit, secured substantial convictions against two individuals accused of sex crimes. Judge Michael Wolverton ordered Thomas Morrical to serve eight years with four years suspended, followed by seven years of felony probation and 15 years of sex offender registration, for the sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree. Meanwhile, Judge Jack McKenna sentenced Josiah Ray to 15 years with five years suspended, followed by eight years of felony probation and 15 years of sex offender registration, for the second-degree sexual assault and assault.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thomas Morrical, convicted of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor, was sentenced to eight years with four years suspended, followed by seven years of felony probation and 15 years of sex offender registration.
  • The conviction stemmed from conduct that occurred between 2005 and 2006, resulting in a lower sentencing range compared to more recent cases.
  • Morrical pleaded guilty on February 18, 2025, as part of an agreed-upon plea agreement with the State.
  • The victim and her family expressed the significant impact of the abuse on their lives, and Morrical apologized for the "inconvenience" caused.
  • Josiah Ray, convicted of second-degree sexual assault and assault, was sentenced to 15 years with five years suspended, followed by eight years of felony probation and 15 years of sex offender registration.
  • Ray pleaded guilty on March 6, 2025, as part of an agreed-upon plea agreement with the State, and the conviction stemmed from conduct that occurred on December 13, 2023.
  • Both cases were prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys and Assistant District Attorneys, and investigated by the Anchorage Police Department's Special Victims Unit detectives.

Statistics:

  • 15 years: Morrical's sentence length
  • 4 years: Suspended portion of Morrical's sentence
  • 7 years: Felony probation for Morrical
  • 15 years: Sex offender registration for Morrical
  • 8 years: Ray's sentence length
  • 5 years: Suspended portion of Ray's sentence
  • 8 years: Felony probation for Ray
  • 15 years: Sex offender registration for Ray

Sources:

  • Anchorage Police Department's SVU
  • Office of the Alaska Attorney General