Other LanguagesSPOKANE — A Spokane man convicted last year of first-degree rape was sentenced today to at least 24 years, seven months in prison, and could remain in custody for life.
The Attorney General’s Sexually Violent Predator Unit won the conviction against Michael Phillips, 33, on Dec. 19, 2014.
Phillips sexually assaulted a Spokane woman in May 2008. He forced her to engage in sexual intercourse by threatening her with what appeared to be a gun. Police who arrested Phillips after the assault found a BB gun in his jacket and noted that it looked like a real gun.
Phillips was sentenced today in Spokane County Superior Court to a determinate-plus sentence, meaning his minimum prison term is set at 24 years, seven months. In order to be released from prison, he will have to be deemed safe to release by the state Indeterminate Sentence Review Board.
If the board does not believe he’s safe to release, he could remain in prison the rest of his life.
“The hard work and vigilance of our attorneys kept this case from falling through the cracks and held this defendant accountable,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said. “Keeping our communities safe from violent predators is a priority of my office.”
Phillips has a history of sexual assault convictions. In 2002, he was convicted of second-degree child molestation, two counts of indecent liberties, and third-degree rape, involving five victims ranging in age from 6 to 15. He was released from prison but violated his release conditions and was returned to confinement in 2008.
Shortly before Phillips was again due to be released, later that year, the Attorney General’s Office filed a petition alleging that he is a sexually violent predator. While the civil trial on that petition was pending, Assistant Attorney General Thomas Howe’s investigation revealed that Phillips could still be prosecuted for the rape he committed while on release in 2008.
With the consent and assistance of the Spokane County Prosecutor, the state charged Phillips with first-degree rape in October 2013. The Attorney General’s Office now will move to dismiss the sexually violent predator petition, which can be refiled if and when Phillips again comes up for release.
Assistant Attorney General Kristie Barham also prosecuted the case.
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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
Contacts:
Peter Lavallee, Communications Director, (360) 586-0725; PeterL@atg.wa.gov