July 23, 2026, Seward Folly

SEWARD, Alaska — Magistrate Judge Christina Teaford fined former Seward Police Department officer Matthew Susko $600 on July 16 after he pleaded guilty to driving with his phone’s screen operating.

The incident happened on November 8, 2024, as Susko was transporting a 15-year-old girl from Seward to Soldotna after her arrest. During the 102-mile night drive, body camera footage showed Susko using or viewing his phone’s screen for a total of 15 minutes, covering about 12.5 miles. At one point, he handled or viewed his phone for four straight minutes, sometimes with one hand, sometimes with both.

Although police can use phones in emergencies, investigators determined Susko’s actions didn’t qualify for that exception. Because some of the offense took place in a Highway Safety Zone in Soldotna, he faced a higher penalty than the usual $500 maximum.

As part of his plea, Susko permanently gave up his Alaska Police Officer Certification and will be listed in the National Decertification Index, which bars him from police work in Alaska.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Daniel Shorey, following an investigation by Seward Deputy Police Chief Karl Schaefermeyer.

The City of Seward stated that the matter is a personnel issue and is unable to discuss the matter, but assured the public that the police department has been actively pursuing this investigation after finding the camera footage.