A Whitman County jury has convicted 26-year-old WSU student Erick Leal of third-degree rape after deliberating for over a day. Leal faced charges of both second-degree and third-degree rape stemming from an incident in July 2024.

According to reports, the victim informed WSU Police that after consuming alcohol, she lost consciousness and later awoke to find Leal allegedly assaulting her in his apartment, with his hand on her throat. The victim described the experience as terrifying, stating that she believed her life was in danger.

Leal has asserted that the encounter was consensual during police questioning.

With this conviction, Leal is facing a potential sentence of 6 to 12 months in jail, and he will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years, under supervision from the Department of Corrections. A sexual assault protection order will also be in effect for the victim until 2030.

Prosecutor Tessa Scholl commended the victim for her bravery throughout the process, stating, “Without her unending strength on the stand and throughout the trial, a conviction would not have been possible.” Scholl plans to recommend the maximum sentence of 12 months in jail.

Judge Roger Sandberg of the Whitman County Superior Court has scheduled a sentencing hearing for July 25, 2025, at which time Leal will receive his sentence.