This story contains details listeners may find disturbing.
On October 31, a Petersburg jury found a resident guilty of sexually assaulting a woman. The verdict comes down after an investigation that was set back for several years by the pandemic and backlog at the state’s only forensic lab.
31-year-old Kelsey McCay now faces up to 99 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman at a party in the fall of 2019.
Over the course of the two-day trial, the jury heard from the victim and several witnesses. They deliberated for less than half an hour before returning their guilty verdict.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jessalyn Gillum. More than five years have passed since the assault occurred. Gillum said that the length of time it took for the case to see the inside of a courtroom was unusual — and that’s for a couple reasons.
“Law enforcement everywhere in the state uses the same crime lab for any kind of analysis,” said Gillum. “All of it goes to the same agency in Anchorage. So, even in the best of circumstances, there can be a backlog. And then, on top of that, to have COVID — that really put things on hold for a little bit. And so, unfortunately, that did lead to a significant delay.”
Gillum said she believes strongly in the integrity of the evidence she put in front of the jury. But she said she can’t call the trial a slam dunk. In her experience, there’s no such thing as a straightforward sexual assault trial.
“There was alcohol involved, and that can impact individuals’ memories and whatnot,” said Gillum. “We’re talking about something from five years ago. As far as offenders, these are members of the community that otherwise may have a strong reputation among their friends and neighbors. The question really becomes: what [do] they do behind closed doors when no one’s watching, that really speaks to the true character of the individual?”
McCay will be held without bail until his sentencing, which is scheduled for February 25, 2025. His sentencing range is eight to 99 years in prison. His attorney did not respond to requests for comment.
Assistant District Attorney Gillum declined to comment on how many years her office would seek. Gillum said she commends the victim in this case for her bravery and resilience, and thanks the victim’s family and friends for providing their support throughout the trial.
For more information about reporting sexual violence, as well as resources for victims, you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at: (800)656-4673. Locally, people can call WAVE at: (907)772-9283.
