WSU student pleads not guilty

COLFAX — A Washington State University student facing multiple felony charges of allegedly raping a female student last fall pled not guilty to all three charges in Superior Court on Friday, Aug. 9.

Jayce A. Carnahan, 21, made his first appearance in Superior Court after failing to appear in-person on Aug. 2, instead making an appearance on Zoom.

Libey listed Carnahan’s charges of Assault in the Second Degree and two counts of Rape in the Third Degree, to which Carnahan pled not guilty.

Prosecuting Attorney Tessa Scholl put on the record that the Assault in the Second Degree charge was with sexual motivation. “There is that enhancement added to that,” she said.

Carnahan was appointed court council, Attorney Steve Martonick.

“He did finally make it over here in person,” Scholl said, “so I am asking he provide an address where he is going to reside.”

Scholl asked that the court order Carnahan not to commit any criminal offenses, possess or consume alcohol, and not be allowed to leave the State of Washington or northern Idaho.

“There’s an allegation that alcohol was being used during this,” Scholl said.

Carnahan’s readiness trial is set for 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 4, and he will face a jury trial on Oct. 14.