Source: United States Department of Justice News
A Claremore man was sentenced Friday in federal court for raping a woman after she withdrew consent during a sexual encounter in 2018.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Travis Carl Condry, 30, to 180 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
“Far too many perpetrators, like Travis Condry, rationalize their actions by saying ‘stop doesn’t always mean stop’ during sexual encounters. This is unacceptable and the acts are criminal. This office and our law enforcement partners will bring to account those who commit such acts of sexual violence,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The victim in this case was a key partner in Condry’s prosecution. Her courageous testimony helped secure the guilty verdict and resulting 15-year prison sentence.”
As part of her victim impact statement, the victim said, “I hope that I’ve helped pave the road for women who have ever or will ever be in the situation I was in. I want you to know you are not alone.”
On Feb.23, 2022, a federal jury convicted Condry of aggravated sexual abuse by force and threat in Indian Country.
The victim and defendant knew one another prior to the crime, and on Dec. 21, 2018, Condry violated the victim’s trust and raped her. The encounter was initially consensual, although the victim was hesitant. The victim quickly withdrew consent as he started to have sex with her. Condry placed his phone on the bed and recorded the incident. The camera did not capture video of the crime, but the audio recorded what occurred. During the incident, the victim told Condry “you can’t do this,” “no,” “please stop,” and “I’m serious.” Condry could also be heard saying “Don’t run away.” The defendant continued to rape the victim while she repeatedly screamed and pleaded for Condry to stop for almost five minutes.
The victim told Condry she felt like she had been assaulted and left immediately after the crime. As the victim left, Condry told her to “snap me, text me, or don’t.”
The victim reported the assault to the Claremore Police Department. Officers interviewed Condry the following day. During the interview, Condry said that he had been drinking and the encounter was consensual sex. He further told investigators that the victim told him to stop but he did not stop right away. He stated that in his opinion “stop doesn’t always mean stop.”
At the trial’s closing in February, Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Briden reminded the jury that no means no, stop means stop, and crying and pleading means stop. He suggested that Condry didn’t believe “stop means stop” because it would prevent him from getting what he wanted.
The FBI and Claremore Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven J. Briden and Valeria G. Luster prosecuted the case.