John S. Mattia, 30, of Sierra Leone, has changed his plea to guilty of rape in the third degree, a class c felony.

Mattia accepted a plea deal of 9 months confinement, and he will register as a sex offender. His sentencing hearing is on Jan. 8 at 9:30 a.m.

“Sentencing is continued to allow the Department of Corrections time to prepare a pre-sentence investigative report for the judge. The report is required by statute,” said Teresa Barnett, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.

The standard sentencing range is six to 12 months of confinement and 12 months of community custody. The maximum jail time and fine is five years and $10,000.

Details of the case

Orcas deputies responded on July 30 to a possible sexual assault that had occurred the night previously. According to the victim, she and Mattia, who work together, had begun dating the week previously. She stated they went out with friends the night of July 29 and stayed in the car afterward to talk. After they began kissing, the victim stated she did not want to go any further. Mattia then sexually assaulted her.

Deputies located Mattia and interviewed him. His story changed several times during the interview and he denied the victim’s version of events. According to the deputy’s report, a search of Mattia’s car revealed evidence that supported the victim’s account.

Mattia initially pleaded not guilty. He is in the United States on a work visa and does not have a criminal history.