Crime & Courts

Man accused of sexually abusing a minor used Snapchat to reach victim, Anchorage police say

A grand jury has indicted an active-duty military member on charges involving sexual abuse of a minor, and the man may have more victims, Anchorage police said Wednesday.

Jacob T. Malaro, 26, faces two charges of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor, police said in an alert.

The investigation began in December after detectives in the Crimes Against Children Unit received report of sexual abuse involving a minor.

“It is known that he used the Snapchat app to communicate with his victim using the social media app Snapchat user names bossfosss and rowdybounty," police said in the alert. “Malaro may have provided a false name and age.”

A felony warrant was obtained for Malaro’s arrest Thursday. On Friday, he was indicted by a grand jury on the two charges, according to police, who said they believe there may be additional victims.

Police asked anyone with knowledge of other victims to contact Detective Shawn Davies at 907-729-7607.

“The Anchorage Police Department encourages all parents and guardians to communicate with their children about the safe use of the Internet and social media apps,” police said.

Malaro’s branch of service, station and rank could not be immediately confirmed Wednesday evening.

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