Stebbins man sentenced to 10 years in jail
John Aluska, 45, of Stebbins was sentenced to 10 years of jailtime Tuesday evening for crimes committed at fish camp two summers ago.
The Nome Court heard witness testimony detailing the harm and destruction Aluska caused over six hours on July 29, 2020. Aluska repeatedly said he should kill his thenpregnant wife, dousing her in gasoline and firing gunshots near her. He lined up his four young children, threatening to shoot them as well. He also burned down a century-old fish camp that was shared by multiple families and, at the time, filled with dozens of fish and many gallons of berries. According to court documents, alcohol was not a factor in the crimes.
Eighteen people were present at the camp area 20 miles southwest of Stebbins. Several who were listed as victims spoke in support of Aluska during the sentencing hearing, saying they had forgiven him and that he was an essential subsistence provider for the community.
Aluska had pleaded guilty to four charges. On the conviction for attempted arson in the first degree, Judge Romano DiBenedetto agreed with state’s recommendation of 10 years, but for five of those years Aluska would be allowed to be on probation. Aluska received five years of probation for misconduct involving weapons in the second degree. He had two convictions of assault in the third degree for the acts committed against his wife and children. For both, Judge DiBenedetto sentenced him to two and a half years each.
“I think a consecutive sentence on each count is necessary for the purposes of public safety,” Judge DiBenedetto said, effectively handing Aluska a total of 10 years in jail.
In his decision, the judge cited Aluska’s previous assault convictions, the number of people put in danger by his actions and the prolonged nature of the attack.
The hearing occurred just before press time. A full story will appear in next week’s paper.