Moses Lake man convicted of rape

EPHRATA - A Moses Lake man accused of raping a neighbor woman in October was found guilty of burglary and rape in Grant County Superior Court Wednesday.

Christopher J. Carlson, 27, was convicted of second-degree rape, first-degree burglary with sexual motivation and residential burglary with sexual motivation following a week-long trial, according to Grant County Prosecutor Angus Lee.

Carlson initially plead not guilty to his charges. He will be sentenced on April 16, said Lee.

Carlson faces a minimum sentence of anywhere between seven years and 11 months, and 10 years and five months of jail time.

According to a previous Columbia Basin Herald article, the victim asked Carlson to escort her inside from the parking lot because she was worried about her safety.

Carlson reportedly returned to the victim's residence and she allegedly allowed him back inside the apartment.

Carlson was reportedly drinking alcohol that night, and had a glass of what appeared to be vodka, according to court records.

When the victim tried to stand up, Carlson reportedly forced her down and raped her, according to records.

Carlson allegedly denied the incident in October, according to the previous Herald article.

Grant County Prosecutor Angus Lee said his office is happy with the outcome of the trial.

"We believe that justice has been obtained," he said Thursday. "We hope this brings some closure for the victim, who is a very brave woman."