Guzman sentenced in rape case

Prevented from contacting victim

EPHRATA - A former Warden man will serve nearly 11 years in prison and was placed under lifelong state supervision for raping his mother in 2004, the Grant County Prosecutor's Office said.

Gilberto Guzman, 31, was recently sentenced in Grant County Superior Court, Grant County Prosecutor John Knodell said Tuesday.

Guzman was talking about withdrawing his guilty plea, but "we haven't seen anything at this point," Knodell said. Guzman gave up his right to appeal when he pleaded guilty, Knodell said.

Guzman was previously charged with attempted first-degree murder, kidnapping, assault and felony harassment for imprisoning his mother Delfina Moreno, then 50, of Warden and raping her in the Warden home they shared.

A no-contact order prevents Guzman from contacting his mother, Knodell said.

As part of a plea agreement, Guzman pled guilty to rape in April after Judge Kenneth Jorgensen denied Guzman's insanity claim.

"It's essentially a life sentence, but he (Guzman) has to do at least 129 months (10 years, 9 months) for first-degree rape," Knodell said.

Guzman was placed under supervision for life and the state Department of Corrections doesn't have to release Guzman from custody after he completes his prison sentence, Knodell said.

If Guzman isn't released, he could end up staying at a facility like the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, Knodell said.

In previous court testimony, Guzman's mother said in about 2002 or 2003, he reportedly heard voices telling him to harm his family, but not Moreno directly. It was also believed he hallucinated, she said.

Another family member testified there was tension in the home between Guzman and his mother because Guzman had problems keeping a job.

In court documents, Spokane psychologist Mark Mays reiterated the opinions of two other doctors that Guzman should be diagnosed with a "Psychotic Disorder NOS (not otherwise specified).

Guzman has prior convictions for residential burglary, theft, malicious mischief and intimidating a public servant.

Guzman's public defense attorney Julie St. Marie and Grant County felony supervising attorney Alan White were unavailable for comment Tuesday.