A convicted rapist who was mistakenly released from custody after his conviction received a 16-year prison sentence at a hearing Friday afternoon.
Noel Stepney, 50, was belligerent during the hearing, flipping off media cameras and directing slurs at court staff.
In June, Stepney was convicted of raping a woman in a low-income housing building in 2019. Following his conviction, he was mistakenly allowed to post bail and leave the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.
Seattle police officers arrested him in August, and he was placed back in jail where he remained until sentencing.
At Friday’s hearing, public defender George Davenport asked Judge Nelson Lee not to consider Stepney’s extensive criminal history, arguing his client previously had a severe drug addiction.
“We have a person here who has essentially been on the streets since he was a teenager,” Davenport said. “There is still time for redemption for him.”
Prosecutors, however, characterized Stepney as a danger to the public and a predator.
“He believed the victim would not report him,” said deputy prosecuting attorney Alexandra Robbins. “In this case, the victim was believed, and the public is safer because of that.”
Stepney accumulated a decades-long criminal history, which included prior convictions for assault, domestic violence, harassment, and drug cases.
Before being sentenced, Stepney told the judge, “I’m a man of worth, that’s all I can say.”
Judge Lee sentenced Stepney at the high end of the sentencing range, ordering 194 months in prison.
“In looking at his criminal history, looking at his prior sentences, I would argue he has had multiple opportunities to improve himself,” Lee said. “He clearly targets vulnerable people. He targets them because he knows they are vulnerable. To sentence him at the low end of the range would result in the public losing faith in the criminal justice system.”
The mistaken release following conviction raised questions about procedures at the Maleng Regional Justice Center. Bail posting should not be permitted after conviction, when defendants typically remain in custody pending sentencing.
The administrative error that allowed Stepney’s release created public safety risk during the two months he remained at large. The victim and community members faced unnecessary danger from the convicted rapist walking free.
Seattle police’s August arrest rectified the custody error, but the incident highlights potential gaps in court administrative systems. Safeguards should prevent convicted defendants from posting bail or being released before sentencing.
The low-income housing setting of the 2019 rape demonstrates targeting of vulnerable victims, a pattern Judge Lee specifically addressed during sentencing. Predators often select victims they believe have fewer resources to report crimes or pursue justice.
Robbins’ statement about the victim being believed reflects the unfortunate reality that sexual assault victims frequently face skepticism. The successful conviction validates the victim’s courage in reporting despite Stepney’s calculation that she would not.
Davenport’s redemption argument, emphasizing Stepney’s teenage homelessness and addiction history, represents standard mitigation strategy. Defense attorneys routinely highlight clients’ difficult backgrounds to argue for leniency.
However, Judge Lee’s reasoning demonstrates how extensive criminal history and repeated offenses can outweigh mitigation arguments. Multiple prior convictions suggest previous sentences and interventions failed to deter criminal behavior.
The high-end sentence of 194 months, approximately 16 years, reflects judicial assessment that Stepney poses ongoing public danger. Sentencing ranges provide judges discretion to calibrate punishment based on individual circumstances.
Judge Lee’s reference to public faith in the criminal justice system acknowledges broader concerns about sentencing adequacy. Lenient sentences for serious crimes, particularly when defendants have extensive histories, can erode community trust.
Stepney’s belligerent courtroom behavior, including obscene gestures and slurs, demonstrated continued disregard for authority and social norms. Such conduct during sentencing can influence judicial perception of defendant character.
The “man of worth” statement Stepney offered before sentencing provided minimal insight into remorse or accountability. His brief comment did not address the harm caused to his victim or accept responsibility for his actions.
The assault, domestic violence, and harassment convictions in Stepney’s history suggest a pattern of violence targeting primarily women. This pattern supports characterization as a predator who deliberately selects vulnerable victims.
Drug addiction, while potentially contributing to criminal behavior, does not excuse violent crimes like rape. Courts typically distinguish between drug-related offenses driven by addiction and violent crimes harming victims.
The 194-month sentence means Stepney will likely serve significant time before becoming eligible for release consideration. Washington’s sentencing structure includes earned release provisions, but serious violent felonies have limited early release opportunities.
