Rape convictions overturned in Tigard Craigslist case:

Ronald Leistiko of Tigard, Oregon was probably the first craigslist rapist I ever posted about. There may have been others before him but he’s the first one that sticks out in my mind. He was arrested back in November of 2007 and charged with raping women and girls that he met through craigslist. Some of his victims were prostitutes but Leistiko claimed that the sex was consensual during his trial. At the conclusion of his trial, he was convicted for raping two of the women and he was sentenced to 25 years.

Last week his convictions were overturned. The Oregon Supreme Court ruled that one of his victims should not have been allowed to testify. That victim was a masseuse advertising in craigslist but was not a ‘happy ending’ type of masseuse. The court ruled that since charges were never filed from this victim that she should not have been allowed to testify at Leistiko’s trial.

So now the case will head back to Washington County and possibly also Clackamas County where prosecutors are eager to try him again. One prosecutor even said that there was a victim that was hesitant to come forward then but that they hope will change her mind now.

Hopefully, Leistiko’s gamble will not pay off and he’ll be sentenced for more than the lousy 25 years he got and get a more lengthy sentence that he deserves.