Friday, November 15, 2024
32.0°F

Thomas' bail set at $500,000

Herald Staff Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 13 years, 3 months AGO
by Herald Staff WriterCameron Probert
| July 29, 2011 6:15 AM

EPHRATA - Bail was set at $500,000 for the man accused of kidnapping and raping a woman from the Big Bend campus.

Prosecutors charged Jerald W. Thomas, 33, with rape in the first degree, kidnapping in the first degree and robbery in the first degree in Grant County Superior Court.

Grant County Superior Court Judge Evan Sperline set bail at $500,000 for Thomas.

He is scheduled to enter a plea Tuesday.

Thomas reportedly abducted a 19-year-old Big Bend Community College student at knife-point, while she was walking to her car in the college parking lot, according to the sheriff's office.

He allegedly forced the woman into her car, driving to a Moses Lake bank, and used the victim's debit card in an attempt to withdraw money from an ATM.

Thomas allegedly took the victim to the Moses Lake sand dunes, where he raped her, according to the sheriff's office. After the reported attack, Thomas tried to continue driving, but the vehicle became stuck and he fled the scene.

The victim was given a ride to the Washington State Patrol office from a passing motorist near the dunes.

She was transported to Samaritan Hospital for treatment, according to the sheriff's office.

ARTICLES BY CAMERON PROBERT

Woman sentenced for truck load of stolen property
February 1, 2013 5 a.m.

Woman sentenced for truck load of stolen property

Taken in Spokane-area burglaries

EPHRATA - A woman discovered with items taken in a string of Spokane-area burglaries is serving more than two years in prison.

Former coroner can't sign certificates
January 31, 2013 5 a.m.

Former coroner can't sign certificates

EPHRATA - Former Grant County Coroner Jerry Jasman is not allowed to sign death certificates.

Grant County employees receive pay increases
January 30, 2013 5 a.m.

Grant County employees receive pay increases

Elected officials, employees get 3 percent pay bump

EPHRATA - Some Grant County employees received a 3 percent pay increase in 2013.