Bellingham man who sexually assaulted six, including fellow inmate, sent to prison
A Bellingham man charged in six separate sexual assault and rape cases, including one where he raped another inmate while in the Whatcom County Jail, will spend more than a decade in prison.
Carlos A. Scott, who is also known as Carlos Alberto Rivera, 48, was sentenced for his crimes to 13 years to life in prison Jan. 28 in Whatcom County Superior Court. Scott was given an indeterminate sentence, which means he has to serve the minimum 13 years in prison, but could be held for life, pending review by the Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board.
If Scott is released from prison, he will have to register as a sex offender and be on community supervision for life. No contact orders were also put in place between Scott and the victims.
Scott, who was an elite racquetball player, met three of the victims at a local gym, and was ultimately charged with sex crimes that date from 2013 to summer 2018, court records state.
Scott pleaded guilty to second-degree child rape, second-degree child molestation, indecent liberties, all felonies, and fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation, a gross misdemeanor on July 18. Scott was originally charged with 10 felonies and one gross misdemeanor stemming from six separate sexual assault and rape cases.
In addition to the inmate rape case, Scott also faced charges in five other cases, where he was charged for sexually assaulting two girls, raping an intoxicated woman, raping a woman after a date and forcefully grabbing another, court records show.
Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Erik Sigmar praised the bravery of the youngest victim, who was 12 at the time Scott sexually abused her, for coming forward, which in turn led more women to come forward after they read about the case in the local media.
Four out of the six people Scott sexually assaulted spoke or had statements read on their behalf about the impact of the abuse they’ve suffered.
“I have been waiting for justice for seven years. ... It’s always been all jumbled in my brain, but one thing has always remained clear; He taught me that he knew better than I. Turns out, he was wrong,” one woman said at Tuesday’s sentencing.
The Bellingham Herald does not typically identify victims of sexual assault or domestic violence.
A second woman said her nights are filled with nightmares and her days with anxiety, and that she sometimes feels damaged and broken.
“I’m here for the last word. I’ve lost a piece of who I am. Being open and honest about what has happened feels even better. I know this will be over soon and I will be able to move on,” the woman said.
Scott’s youngest victim, who had her statement read on her behalf, said she doesn’t trust her own instincts anymore. She said spoke up about the abuse because she was afraid Scott would assault others, like her younger sister.
In addressing the court, Scott said that it wasn’t his intention to hurt anyone.
Scott’s defense attorney, Todd Anderson, said the agreed recommendation came from “long, thoughtful negotiations,” and that Scott will take advantage of the opportunity to better himself while in prison.
“It offers closure to survivors and these crimes, without putting them through the stress of trial,” Anderson said.
A pre-sentencing investigation report in the court record concluded Scott showed no remorse for his actions, blamed the victims and said he took the plea deal because he was afraid of getting a 25-year sentence if he lost at trial. The report also included “serious concerns” about whether Scott can be rehabilitated.
Whatcom County Superior Court Judge Rob Olson followed the recommended sentence agreed upon by both the prosecution and defense. Olson said he didn’t “have a great deal of hope” for Scott’s rehabilitation, based on the “modest” remorse shown in court, but said that the community would be safe from his predatory behavior for at least 13 years. Olson also apologized on behalf of the community to the victims.
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support:
▪ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.
▪ Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.
▪ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.
▪ WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.
▪ Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org.
