Casper Man Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Sexual Assault Charge
A Casper man accused of sexually assaulting another man earlier this year entered a guilty plea to a single felony charge Friday morning.
Gary Daniel Clement, 20, pleaded guilty before District Judge Daniel Forgey to one count of second-degree sexual assault. Clement could face two to 20 years in prison.
Assistant District Attorney Dan Itzen filed an amended information, which contained the single second-degree charge. Clement had initially been charged with first-degree sexual assault as well as a charge of aggravated assault, which combined could have seen Clement behind bars for up to 60 years.
Although Clement pleaded guilty to a reduced charge, the plea agreement does not include a favorable sentencing recommendation from prosecutors. As such, the prosecution and defense are free to recommend whatever sentences they feel appropriate.
Clement was arrested in early February after the victim reported a sexual assault the previous day. The victim said he had seen Clement, who was an "old friend," according to court documents, at a local restaurant where Clement worked.
The victim agreed to go back to Clement's residence for a drink. The two drank beer, played video games and practiced defense tactics before Clement told the victim he would kill him unless the victim performed oral sex on Clement.
The victim did so. Clement allegedly punched him in the head and threatened him with a knife. After being hit in the head, the victim briefly lost consciousness. Clement pulled his pants down, bent him over the bed and raped him.
Clement remained in custody at the time of Friday's court hearing.