Idaho inmate becomes state’s first convicted rapist

An Idaho inmate has been convicted of prison rape for what the state Department of Correction is calling the first time in the system’s 120-year history.
Cody Vealton Thompson was found guilty of male rape as well as attempting to intimidate a witness by a jury in Ada County.
The 31-year-old Thompson, who has a long criminal record of burglary, assault, escape, grand theft, aggravated driving under the influence and eluding an officer, raped his cell mate in September 2008.
Because he’s considered a persistent violator, Thompson faces the possibility of two life terms when he is due to sentenced on Dec. 22.
State prisons director Brent Reinke says the case shows Idaho’s approach to ending rape behind bars has made the state a model for other prison systems. (AP)