The deputy communications director for the Anchorage Police Department has resigned following a shoplifting incident at Target.
In a social media post, Chris Barraza acknowledged the misdemeanor charge and explained his decision to step down. “This is one of the hardest and most humbling things I’ve ever had to share,” he wrote. “Because of the position I held, I know this may become public, and I want you to hear it from me directly. I made a mistake. While shopping at Target, not all of my items were scanned, and because I was wearing logo wear, that mistake has now led to a misdemeanor shoplifting charge. Out of respect for my position and the community, I chose to resign. I want to be clear: I take full responsibility. I made a poor decision, and I will carry the weight of it. I’ve always believed in owning my actions, even when they are painful and disappointing.”
Despite the unusualness of the situation, the story has drawn no coverage from mainstream Alaska outlets.
If the same incident had occurred under a Republican administration, media outlets would likely have covered it aggressively. The silence is an example of the double standard in how political affiliations and administrations shape press treatment of embarrassing scandals.