BOISE -- For the first time in Idaho history, an inmate has been convicted of raping another inmate inside a prison.
Last week, an Ada County jury found 31-year-old Cody Thompson guilty of male rape and attempting to intimidate a witness.
The crime happened at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution.
Thompson, who has a long criminal record of burglary, assault, escape, grand theft, aggravated driving under the influence and eluding an officer, raped his cell mate in September 2008.
Because he's considered a persistent violator, Thompson faces the possibility of two life terms when he is due to sentenced on Dec. 22.
Brent Reinke, the state prisons director, said Tuesday, "This case shows Idaho is serious about eliminating prison rape."
Reinke says Idaho's approach to ending rape behind bars has made the state a model for other prison systems.
