Man sentenced to prison for violent sexual attack
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BLACKFOOT — A man will serve up to 12 years in prison for violently beating a woman multiple times in a camp trailer earlier this year.
Miguel Luis Lopez, 30, was sentenced Monday to 2 years fixed and 10 years indeterminate for a charge of domestic battery inflicting traumatic injury.
Lopez was also charged with felony forcible rape in connection to the June crime but, in exchange for a guilty plea on the domestic battery charge, Bingham County prosecutors agreed to drop the rape charge.
He was arrested June 28 after Bingham County Sheriff deputies learned of the incident when an acquaintance noticed extensive bruising on the victim’s arms and head. The victim was eventually taken to Bingham Memorial Hospital and during a rape examination, the victim “cried out in pain due to major injuries caused to the her midsection,” according to court documents.
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Police reports show earlier in the week, Lopez approached the victim demanding sex, but she refused. She told police after the refusal, he forcibly undressed her while proclaiming she was his wife.
She tried to move away, but Lopez threw her to the ground and violently raped her, according to court documents.
Police reports show Lopez covered the victim’s mouth so people would not be able to hear her screams during the 3-4 minute encounter.
The next morning, Lopez allegedly demanded that the woman have sex with him again. She told Lopez “no matter what, she could not handle another encounter.”
Lopez ignored the request and proceeded to sexually assault her, according to documents.
The victim told detectives she feared resisting would result in her being beaten by Lopez. She said she felt trapped in the camper and “there was no end in sight” until she was able to escape while Lopez showered.
Lopez and the victim had arrived in the United States recently and traveled to Idaho together. Both worked at a dairy where the camper trailer was parked.
The victim had taken a positive result on a pregnancy test taken earlier this year. Lopez was initially excited with the news but suggested a short time later she should abort the baby, according to the woman.
Lopez was sentenced by District Judge Jon J. Shindurling.