PORT TOWNSEND — A man who raped a minor in 1993 and then fled the county — never to be seen until a border arrest in July — has pleaded guilty to one count of rape and a related charge.
Alfonso Blanding, 52, who pleaded guilty on Friday, will be formally sentenced Nov. 20.
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Juelie Dalzell said Blanding entered his plea after the prosecution agreed to seek only charges on one count of rape of a child and one count of furnishing alcohol to a minor.
Blanding had been facing 10 felony counts, but Dalzell said the decision to reduce the charges was made because the felonies would have been consolidated.
“They would have been considered all the same instance [as they happened on the same day],” Dalzell said.
“I’ve spoken with the victim, and she is OK with this.”
Dalzell said her office will recommend a sentence of 12 months to 14 months in prison at sentencing.
Blanding originally was arrested 16 years ago for investigation of rape of a child that took place May 16, 1993.
Before his trial date, Blanding posted bail and fled the county.
Entering from Mexico
Blanding was arrested in July attempting to cross the border into the United States from Mexico after 16 years on the run from authorities.
According to police reports, Blanding in 1993 offered a ride to a 15-year-old girl walking along San Juan Avenue and took her to a camper on Hendricks Street.
The report states that once in the camper, Blanding gave the girl wine and raped her several times.
Now a woman in her 30s, she spoke in court on Friday.
“Two weeks after my 15th birthday, I was raped by this man, Alfonso Blanding,” she said.
“I was physically and mentally violated. While I was being raped, I remember wondering if I was going to live through this horrible experience.
“It was the longest, most traumatic period of time I have ever had during my entire life. I still feel the shame, disgust and embarrassment.”
The victim continued on, asking the court to accept Blanding’s guilty plea.
“I have been waiting 16 years for justice,” she said, “scared that he may hunt me down and hurt me, not being able to fully put this behind me.”
Blanding will be sentenced on Nov. 20 at 8:30 a.m. in Jefferson County Superior Court in Port Townsend.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com
