Anchorage prosecutor to head new crime victims rights office

JUNEAU (AP) -- The Legislature has appointed Anchorage prosecutor Stephen Branchflower to become Alaska's first crime victims advocate.

Branchflower, who has served as a state prosecutor for 28 years, will head the recently-created Office of Crime Victims Rights.

Branchflower was unanimously confirmed to the appointment in a joint meeting of the Alaska House and Senate. He will assume his new duties on July 8.

The Office of the Crime Victims Advocate was established by the Legislature last year and will be based in Anchorage.

Branchflower will be responsible for advocating in court on behalf of crime victims of felony offenses, or class A misdemeanors involving domestic violence or assault.

Branchflower and his staff will have broad investigative tools, including the power to hold hearings and to subpoena witnesses and records.