EVERETT — A Lynnwood man accused of raping a teenage girl in her bedroom in 2002 was sentenced Monday to more than 15 years in prison.
Dennis Wiseman, 41, was identified in June through genetic evidence collected during the rape investigation seven years ago. He pleaded guilty last month to first-degree rape.
Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Michael Downes on Monday gave Wiseman a high-end sentence. The judge was not swayed by Wiseman’s explanation that he was drunk the night he attacked a 13-year-old in her bedroom.
Wiseman apologized to the victim, now 20, and asked for her forgiveness.
It was the first time the woman had seen Wiseman since he attacked her.
She had been asleep in her bed when she felt the stranger on top of her, tugging at her clothes. He threatened to shoot everyone in the apartment if she made any noise. He assaulted her and fled.
Police were unable to find the man.
Two years ago prosecutors filed rape charges against “Individual A” after state forensic scientists analyzed a genetic sample collected in an examination of the girl following the attack.
At the time, the DNA sequence didn’t match any kept on file in state and national databases.
Investigators got a break in the case in June when they learned that a genetic sample from a felon recently entered into the state’s database matched a sample collected in 2002.
Wiseman vandalized several Mill Creek police cars in 2002. He wasn’t charged until 2004, and eventually was convicted of first-degree malicious mischief in 2008, a felony.
He was required to provide a DNA sample as part of his felony sentence.
Wiseman was already a felon, having served time for attempted burglary in 1988 and possession of stolen property in 1995. At the time he wasn’t required to provide a DNA sample.
Legislators in 1990 ordered genetic samples be collected only from people convicted of violent and sex crimes.
In 2002, the law was expanded to include everyone convicted of any felony. More crimes were added last year, including misdemeanor harassment and stalking.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463, hefley@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
