Albuquerque man sentenced to 36 years for rape of underage girl
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – An Albuquerque man found guilty of raping a young girl has been sentenced to 36 years behind bars. Jeremy Guthrie was pulled over with a group of minors in his car, he later admitted to driving drunk that night but his behavior turned out to be much more disturbing than that.
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Monday, in court, Guthrie’s defense argued that the COVID-19 pandemic was a hard time for everybody. “A lot of people were lonely, people who were already lonely were even lonelier and it could have resorted to drinking as it looks like Mr. Guthrie did in this particular situation,” said defense attorney Jay Nair.
Back in 2022, Guthrie tried to explain to officers what he was doing, driving around with a group of kids. He claimed the girl in his passenger seat was 18 years old but she was actually 12 years old. Guthrie had been in an ongoing sexual relationship with her after meeting on Snapchat. A jury found him guilty on nine counts of rape.
Members of Guthrie’s family spoke to Judge David Murphy, saying what he’s been charged with is out of character for him, and asked Judge Murphy for leniency, mercy, and a second chance.
Guthrie also took the stand apologizing to the victim’s family but the state argued Guthrie’s apology wasn’t good enough and that he still hasn’t taken accountability. “COVID didn’t make other individuals rape children, alcohol is just an excuse, alcohol doesn’t make you rape a child,” said state prosecutor Emilie Edmonds.
The state asked for the maximum sentence possible, 112 and a half years. The defense asked for a 12-year sentence plus probation and alcohol treatment. The judge said today, everyone loses in this decision. He sentenced Guthrie to 36 years behind bars. Guthrie will also be required to register as a sex offender when he gets out.
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