Meridian man who tried to rape woman at church will serve up to 20 years in prison
Fourth Judicial District Judge Cheri Copsey sentenced on Friday a Meridian man who was convicted of attempting to rape a woman while at church.
Hyongsuk Kim, 52, was ordered to serve 20 years in prison and could be eligible for parole after five years are served.
Kim’s arrest came in October 2018 and in July, a jury found Kim guilty of battery with the intent to commit rape, according to a news release from the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Evidence presented by prosecutors Friday argued that Kim gathered people in the community after the jury trial to turn against the victim.
“The fact that he was trying to get the Korean community to victimize the victim, demonstrates a lack of remorse,” Copsey said, according to the news release. “In listening and reading his letter, he clearly has remorse that he is in trouble ... but there is no remorse for what he did. Until that happens, there is no indication that he will change his behavior.”
Kim must pay a $5,000 civil penalty, and no contact order with his victim will remain in place for 20 years.
Need help?
The Faces of Hope Victim Center is available for victims in need of emergency services at 417 S. 6th St. in Boise. Victims should call 911 in emergencies or call 208-577-4400 on weekdays during business hours. Faces of Hope provides free medical care and forensic examinations for victims, as well as assistance with filing police reports and mental health care.
Survivors who may need help are also encouraged to contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
