CASPER, Wyo., Sept. 10 (UPI) -- A man who pleaded guilty to a 2009 rape spawned on Craigslist has asked a Wyoming court for the right to appeal his decision.
Ty Oliver McDowell told a district court judge in Casper he was not properly advised of his rights to appeal at his change-of-plea hearing, the Casper Star-Tribune reported.
McDowell had pleaded guilty to raping the ex-girlfriend of Jebidiah James Stipe, whom he met on Craigslist. Stipe posed as his ex-girlfriend and asked for a rape fantasy.
Both men were convicted and sentenced to 60 years in prison.
McDowell's attorney told judge Daniel Forgey their client had been misled by former Natrona County District Judge David Park to believe he couldn't appeal after pleading guilty.
Natrona County District Attorney Michael Blonigen argued that McDowell was making an ineffective council claim. Tim Cotton, McDowell's initial lawyer, testified under questioning by Blonigen he and McDowell had multiple conversations about his client's appellate rights.
"Mr. McDowell simply regrets the plea he entered," Blonigen said.
Forgey said he would issue a ruling at a later date.
