Sexual Abuse Defendant Enters into Alford Plea

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A sex abuse defendant accepted a plea offer without admitting to a criminal act, in what is known as an Alford plea.

According to the prosecution, in November 2021, Ian Rigley knocked on the door of an apartment in Washington Highlands and told the victim he was a cable man. The victim asked for his credentials and when he could not produce any, became afraid and went to grab a pocket knife and a phone. The victim’s grandmother found him on top of her. Multiple witnesses attested to the assault.

Rigley, 30, was initially charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse and first-degree burglary. On March 7, he pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse.

As part of the plea deal, the prosecution agreed not to indict the defendant on any other charges. Rigney waived his right to independent DNA testing of the knife, latex gloves and articles of clothing recovered during the investigation. He must register as a sex offender for the remainder of his lifetime.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt accepted the Alford plea. Ian could face two to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on May 4.