Other LanguagesSPOKANE — A Spokane County jury today convicted Michael Phillips of first degree rape. Prosecutors from the Attorney General’s Sexually Violent Predator Unit won the conviction in a trial that began on Dec. 15.
Phillips, 33, 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.
“The hard work and vigilance of our attorneys kept this case from falling through the cracks, held Mr. Phillips accountable for his crime and saw justice for his victim,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said. “I’m very proud of the work our office did to keep the community safe.”
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, in 2008, 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 determined 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. Because of today’s verdict, the Attorney General will move to dismiss the sexually violent predator petition, which can be refiled when Phillips again comes up for release.
Sentencing on the rape conviction is set for Feb. 11, 2015. Assistant Attorneys General Thomas Howe and Kristie Barham 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.
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Alison Dempsey-Hall, Acting Communications Director