BOISE, Idaho — A 47-year-old Star man will spend up to 45 years in prison for the rape of a former partner in July 2023.
Matthew Blazek on Tuesday was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison before being eligible for parole, the Ada County Prosecutor's Office announced. Blazek's imprisonment could last up to 45 years.
The Star man entered his former partner's house in the early hours of July 16, 2023, and the woman woke up to him standing over her. The prosecutor's office said Blazek battered the woman for multiple hours in front of a young child.
Blazek also raped the woman, threatened to kill her, threatened the victim with a knife and strangled her repeatedly during the attack, according to a news release. The woman had injuries on "much of her body."
Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts said, "I want to acknowledge this woman's courage throughout the entire court process." Officials said the victim reported 2023 attack to police as soon as Blazek left her residence and she felt safe to do so.
A jury found Blazek guilty of rape, use of a deadly weapon, forcible penetration, domestic violence in the presence of a child and attempted strangulation in January.
During his sentencing, Honorable Ada County District Judge Cynthia Yee-Wallace called Blazek's behavior "predatory," and he was found likely to reoffend. Bennetts added "the facts of this case are chilling."
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