A Centre County jury found a Dillsburg man guilty Monday for the rape of a woman who was unconscious.
Christopher A. Ryerse, 21, was convicted on charges of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. He was found innocent on a charge of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse.
The incident occurred April 11 when Ryerse, his co-workers and others, including the victim, got together for drinks. After drinking, the victim became severely ill and went in and out of consciousness in the hotel bathroom. At one point, Ryerse moved the victim to a bed in the hotel where he was staying and raped her, a jury concluded.
The victim said she woke up the following morning to discover she was naked in a hotel bed next to Ryerse.
During the investigation, authorities say Ryerse denied having sex with the victim and instead placed the blame on a friend. During his testimony, Ryerse admitted to making up a friend as an alibi.
Authorities say DNA evidence showed Ryerse did have sex with the victim.
Following the guilty verdict, the judge revoked Ryerse’s bail. He was transported to Centre County Correctional Facility.
District Attorney, Stacy Parks Miller said in a prepared statement, “While it is tough to be victimized by a rapist, it is equally as tough to have to endure a trial where your credibility is questioned again. We always admire the bravery of victims who endure the tough criminal justice system and are thankful for the juries who care. To be victimized while unconscious shows the utmost predatory behavior because the victim does not even stand a fighting chance and we will ensure the sentence fits the crime.”
Centre County Common Pleas Judge Jonathan Grine will sentence Ryerse on March 28.
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