News Release 2003-9
November 18, 2003
Second Rape Case Ends with Five Guilty Verdicts
On November 18, 2003, the second of two rape cases involving students at the Friday Harbor High School ended with five guilty verdicts. Superior Court Judge Vickie I. Churchill found Travis Coulter, 18, guilty as charged of three counts of rape in the second degree, one count of attempted indecent liberties, and criminal trespass. The sexual assaults occurred against three young women aged 14 to 17 between 2000 and 2003.
This is the second sexual assault case that the San Juan County Superior Court has completed in a month. On October 15, 2003, Judge Alan R. Hancock found Joseph Ausilio, 18, guilty of two counts of rape in the third degree and one count of rape in the second degree. Coulter and Ausilio were charged when they were both 17 years old in Juvenile Court.
Both Coulter and Ausilio were students at Friday Harbor High School at the time that the rapes occurred. Two of the victims were raped by Coulter and Ausilio on the same day.
"I wish to express my utmost respect for the courage and honesty shown by the young women who were victims and witnesses in this case," said Prosecutor Randall K. Gaylord. I hope that the community will acknowledge how difficult it can be to come forward and speak about the most intimate aspects of their lives."
Gaylord had praise for Judge Churchill’s advice to parents - to talk with their children, know their friends and know where they are. "All of us as parents need to speak with our children on how to guard against risky situations involving alcohol and sex," said Gaylord.
Gaylord also recognized the work of Deputy Prosecutor Charles Z. Silverman and the members of the Victim Services Unit of the Prosecutor’s Office: Karen Kunde, Diana Manning and Elizabeth Pillow. "After 17 days of trial, the people who worked on such an emotional and sensitive topic deserve credit for a job well done," said Gaylord.
Sheriff William G. Cumming complimented the members of the Sheriff’s Office who led the investigation. "Retired Detective Brent Johnson always kept in sight the goal of protecting the victims and assuring that we have a safe community."
Travis Coulter was taken into custody pending disposition of the case. A disposition hearing is set for December 8, 2003.
Randall K. Gaylord
San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney
350 Court Street, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 760
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
(360)378-4101