ANOKA, Minn. (AP) - A man accused of abducting and raping a woman in Fridley after telling her he was a police officer pleaded guilty Thursday to criminal sexual conduct.
Gideon Charles Arrington, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Anoka County court. Arrington faces a maximum sentence of 27 years in prison, the Star Tribune (https://strib.mn/1qjmkUT) reported.
Arrington had agreed to the plea bargain in lieu of a jury trial. But he briefly changed his mind in court when Judge Dyanna Street asked him if he understood what he had agreed to.
“I want to fight this, man,” Arrington said through tears. The judge replied, “I think that’s what we’d better do,” before calling a recess.
But after the break, Arrington said, “I’m going to go with the plea, your honor.”
Had he been convicted on all counts, Arrington could have faced a sentence of more than 33 years in prison. Defense attorney Jill Brisbois said that Arrington could receive a minimum sentence of 12 years.
Sentencing is set for August.
According to the charges, Arrington abducted the woman near Fridley City Hall on Nov. 23 after telling her he was a detective. He then handcuffed and blindfolded her and raped her repeatedly, the charges said.
Afterward, he washed her clothes before freeing her and giving her $2 bus fare, the woman told authorities.
___
Information from: Star Tribune, https://www.startribune.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.