Security Guard at Tulalip Casino Escapes Jail Time for Sexual Assault on Guest
A former security guard at the Tulalip Resort Casino in Washington State who admitted to committing a sexual assault on a woman while on duty may avoid imprisonment, according to The Everett Herald.
Travis Sanderson, a former US Marine, was initially charged with felony second-degree rape in relation to the incident, which allegedly took place on August 9, 2018, at the casino.
The Tulalip Resort Casino is owned by the Tulalip Tribes of Washington and is located on the tribal reservation in Snohomish County, approximately 35 miles north of Seattle.
Suspended Sentence
Sanderson's trial was initially postponed by COVID and then procedural issues. In June, a nine-day trial on the rape charges resulted in a "hopelessly deadlocked" jury, according to The Herald.
On Wednesday, Sanderson pleaded guilty to fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation, a gross misdemeanor.
Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Karen Moore sentenced him to a suspended jail sentence of one year. This means he will be on probation for the next 24 months but won't serve jail time unless he reoffends.
Surveillance Footage
On the night of the admitted assault, Sanderson informed his colleagues that he would escort an intoxicated woman back to her hotel room at the casino. The victim had been drinking with her coworkers and was visibly unsteady on her feet, as documented in court papers.
Sanderson used the victim's key to enter her room and remained there for eight minutes before returning to the casino, as shown in footage from a security camera in the hall.
Four minutes later, the camera showed her leaving the room wearing different clothes. She proceeded to the lobby, where she reported the assault in a distraught state.
When the police arrived, Sanderson denied engaging in any sexual conduct with the woman. He claimed he spent between three and five minutes in the room because the woman had asked him to set her alarm clock. He maintained he turned around and saw her undressing before leaving the room.
Changed Story
Sanderson eventually recanted his statements upon learning that the victim had undergone a sexual assault examination, admitting that sexual contact had occurred but maintaining it was consensual.
Prosecutors initially charged Sanderson in December 2018 with an indecent liberties charge involving someone unable to give consent. This was later amended to the rape charge.
Judge Moore described Wednesday's verdict as a "suitable conclusion to finalize this ancient case."
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Source: www.casino.org
