Although a child rape victim and her mother objected to a reduction in charges for Alexander Slater, the judge accepted the plea agreement Tuesday, Oct. 4.
The agreement was to drop the rape charge and Slater, 24, would plead in Richmond County Superior Court to two counts of child molestation for a sentence of 20 years in prison followed by 10 years on probation.
He raped a 12-year-old and should be sentenced as a rapist, the victim’s mother said.
Assistant District Attorney Justin Mullis said he understands the victims’ position but considering the risk of acquittal at trial and the requirement for the victim to testify, Mullis said he believes this was a good outcome.
The victim’s mother noted her daughter’s behavior had changed in 2020, and she looked for a reason. In the computer search history, her daughter searched for “What to do when you’ve been raped.” Mullis said the girl said that on the night of July 4, 2019, she was asleep when Slater held a pillow over her head and raped her.
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The victim also spoke to the judge Tuesday, saying she didn’t agree with the plea. “Alexander ruined my life,” she said. “He raped me. I was 12 years old.” She still suffers from nightmares and flashbacks and lives in fear, she said.
Defense attorney Sean Gamble told the judge that Slater was diagnosed with autism in the second grade and has been developmental delayed. But he wanted to take responsibility and apologize, Gamble said.
Judge Amanda Heath said she understands how devastating the experience would be, and she respected the victim’s courage for speaking for herself Tuesday. But Heath said she believed the negotiated sentence was a good outcome, which she accepted.
The minimum sentence for rape is 25 years in prison. The maximum is life with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
