Nathaniel E. Erfurth, a 34-year-old resident of Soldotna and high school teacher of government and history teacher at Soldotna High School, was arrested by the Alaska State Troopers, following a thorough investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor. The arrest was made by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation’s Soldotna Major Crimes Unit.
The investigation revealed that Erfurth, who had been employed as a high school teacher at the time, had engaged in sexual abuse with a female juvenile multiple times between the years 2017 and 2019.
During this period, Erfurth held the position of Kenai Peninsula Education Association president. He has been on release from teaching, while serving the union.
Erfurth is a rising political figure on the Kenai Peninsula. In 2022, Erfurth donated $400 to the campaign of Anchorage Democrat Ted Eischeid, in his race for House District 22 against Republican Stanley Wright.
On April 3, the Alaska State Troopers received a report regarding the alleged sexual abuse, prompting the Soldotna Major Crimes Unit to launch an extensive investigation.
The investigators gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses to substantiate the claims against Erfurth.
Today’s arrest marks a significant step forward in the case, as Erfurth was remanded to the Wildwood Pretrial Facility on charges of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the Second Degree and Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the Fourth Degree.
Although no additional victims has been found thus far, the Alaska State Troopers urge anyone with information that may be relevant to come forward and contact them at (907) 262-4453.
Erfurth was a political advocate for more funding in education, testifying in front of the Senate Education Committee in February in favor of raising the base student allocation — the permanent funding formula — for Alaska school districts. In a March commentary published in the Kenai Peninsula Clarion, he wrote, “Public education funding is an investment in our schools, students, businesses and local economy. Now is the time for the Alaska Legislature to pass a meaningful increase to the base student allocation.”
He also was active with trying to raise the BSA in House Finance last year and in 2021.
If convicted, Erfurth (pronounced Ur-furth) could face substantial penalties, including imprisonment and the possibility of being registered as a sex offender.
The KPEA executive board meets next on May 23 at 6:30 pm.
