Trailhead thieves arrested

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n early January 2021 Alaska State Troopers with Palmer’s Criminal Suppression Unit began a full-scale investigation into the massive amount of thefts occurring at the Mat-Su Valley trailheads.

On 1/29/2021 at approximately 1750 hours, members of the CSU contacted a female near the Crevasse Moraine parking lot after they observed her looking into vehicles. The female originally gave troopers the wrong name and ID card. Investigation revealed the female to be Jessica Rose Jones, age 34, of Kenai. It was discovered she had a $1,000 outstanding Felony arrest warrant for Failing to Comply with Conditions of Probation with the original charges of Theft 2, Fraudulent Use of an Access Device and Forgery in the Second Degree.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Paul Joseph Ahrens, age 31, of Palmer, who was found to have the following outstanding warrants: $1,000 c/c appearance for failing to comply with conditions of probation with the original charge of tampering with physical evidence; $1,000 c/c appearance for failing to comply with conditions of probation with the original charge of Theft 2; No Bail for a Parole Violation on the original charges of Theft 2, Theft 1, Scheme to Defraud, Theft 2, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Violating Conditions of Release (x6).

A subsequent search warrant yielded approximately 17 identification cards, including Passports, Military ID cards, Voter’s Registration Cards and Drivers Licenses, and multiple cell phones connected to victims of the trail head thefts. 34 gift cards and debit cards were also seized.

Jessica Jones was arrested on her warrant plus a charge of Theft 2 and Providing False Information to a Peace Officer. Further charges will follow.

Paul Ahrens was arrested on his warrants plus a charge of Theft 2 and Violating Conditions of Release. Further charges will follow. Both are currently being held at Mat-Su Pretrial Facility. Troopers will be contacting the victims to return found property.