Anchorage Daily News

An owner of a Southcentral charter business has been charged with four felony counts of perjury and one of witness tampering, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Seward resident Darren Byler, 47, of Cordova-based Byler's Alaska Wilderness Adventures, was indicted last week following a months-long investigation, troopers said.

Following a tip, investigators got a search warrant in December for Byler's boat, the MV Alaska Leader. He is accused of making multiple false statements on letters he had sent to the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, troopers said.

Troopers say Byler included falsified information on letters of recommendation on behalf of four people he wanted to employ as assistant guides, including how long he had known them and their qualifications, said Alaska Wildlife Trooper investigator Shannon Fore.

After being confronted with the accusation, Byler called one of the guides, asking that he back up the incorrect information presented in the letter, Fore said.

Troopers are continuing to investigate, he said.

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