Story Published: Nov 24, 2009 at 5:39 PM PST
Story Updated: Nov 24, 2009 at 5:39 PM PST
Cody Thompson
Prison officials say on Nov. 17, an Ada County jury found Cody Vealton Thompson guilty of rape and attempting to intimidate a witness. They say it's the first time in the history of the state's 120-year-old correctional system that an inmate has been found guilty of rape.
Thompson, who will be sentenced Dec. 22, raped his cellmate Sept. 15, 2008 at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, according to officials.
"This case shows Idaho is serious about eliminating prison rape," said Brent Reinke, Idaho Department of Correction director. "We're committed to making sure our institutions are safe not just for staff but for offenders, as well."
Thompson has a lengthy criminal record that includes convictions for burglary, assault, escape, grand theft, aggravated driving under the influence and eluding an officer. He committed the crimes in Minidoka, Twin Falls, Bonneville and Cassia counties.
Prior to his conviction on the male rape charge, Thompson was eligible to be considered for parole in March of 2017.
