Jerald Thomas Jr. pleads guilty

EPHRATA - The man, who kidnapped and raped a Big Bend Community College student last year, is facing at least 24 years in prison.

Jerald W. Thomas Jr., 34, pleaded guilty to first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree robbery, second-degree assault and intimidating a witness, according to court records.

No charges were dismissed as part of the plea, Prosecutor Angus Lee stated.

"(Thomas) faces a (minimum) sentence of 24 years to life," he stated. "I hope this total admission of guilt and the stiff sentence give comfort to the victim and her family."

When Thomas is sentenced the judge will set a minimum sentence between 24 years and three months and 32 years and two months in prison

When Thomas finishes the initial sentence, a state Department of Corrections board will examine him to determine whether he is ready for release, according to the prosecutor's office.

"If he is not ready for release he will serve additional time until he is suitable for release. If he is ever released he will be under the supervision of the Department of Corrections for life," Lee stated.

Sentencing is scheduled for November after following a Department of Corrections pre-sentencing investigation, according to the prosecutor's office.

The incident started on the college campus in July 2011 when the victim was getting a calculator from her trunk. Thomas grabbed her from behind, wrapped his arm around her throat and put a knife to her neck, according to a Grant County Sheriff's Office report. Thomas pushed the victim into the passenger's seat, and threatened to rape her if she didn't give him $500.

As they were leaving the victim tried to jump out of the vehicle, but Thomas grabbed her arm keeping her in the vehicle, according to the police report. They drove to a bank, where he tried using the victim's debit card to take money out. He received some money, but wasn't able to take out $500 and became frustrated.

He drove her to the Moses Lake sand dunes and raped her. The victim's car became stuck in the sand, and he made her walk with him looking for a ride, telling her he would kill her if she called for help, according to court records. She was able to escape after Thomas received a ride.