PORT TOWNSEND — A man charged with the rape of a minor in 1993 is finally going to receive his day in court after 16 years on the run.
Alfonso Blanding, 52, is back in custody after officials caught him attempting to cross the border into the United States from Mexico.
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Juelie Dalzell said the 1993 warrant issued for bail jumping was still on file when Blanding attempted to cross into Texas “about two weeks ago.”
“He probably thought it had just disappeared,” Dalzell said of the warrant.
“But they are apparently checking everyone for warrants at the border now, and he was arrested.
“We had him extradited and now he is here facing trial on four counts of rape and one count of bail jumping.”
Blanding was originally arrested for investigation of rape of a child which allegedly took place May 16, 1993.
According to police reports, Blanding offered a ride to the 15-year-old girl walking along San Juan Avenue and took her to a camper on Hendricks Street.
The report says that once in the camper, Blanding gave the girl wine and raped her several times.
Blanding posted bail before his Jan. 3, 1994, trial date and did not show up in court.
A warrant was issued for his arrest, but he evaded police until earlier this month.
Blanding was back in Jefferson County jail on July 12 on $50,000 bail.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges in Jefferson County Superior Court on July 17.
His next appearance is scheduled for Aug. 7 at 8:30 a.m.
A trial date has been set for Sept. 14 and 15.
Dalzell said the victim, now in her 30s, has been contacted and wants to be involved in the trial.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
