Blevins gets 23 years for sex offenses

The victim’s mother spoke to the court before the sentence was announced, and shared a copy of her statement with Columbia Gorge News. “Lucas, you have acted like the victim for far too long,” she began. “What you did to my daughter is unforgivable! Looking at you makes me sick! My daughter often relives her trauma. She’s afraid that she’ll have to see you again, but for the next [275 months], I know she won’t have to!”

The failure to appear at his sentencing meant the court was no longer bound by the earlier plea agreement for a somewhat shorter sentence, leaving Judge Wolf free to impose the longest possible sentence of 275 months. Blevins must also register as a sex offender and pay $5,000 to the victim. He is forbidden from contacting the victim, her family, and minors.

“The victim and her family have endured significant hardship throughout the course of this case,” said Wasco County District Attorney Kara Davis in a press release. “Over the past two years, statements made both in court proceedings and on social media sought to discredit the victim and her mother. The evidence established the truth of the allegations, including the defendant’s own confession and additional corroborating evidence. The victim’s mother demonstrated unwavering commitment in advocating for her child, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of these offenses.”

The child’s mother said in her statement, “There were multiple times that Lucas’s family and friends tried to silence [the child’s] voice by slashing our car tires, egging our house and the defendant even attempted to give her a gift!”

Blevins was also charged June 9 with first-degree failure to appear, for his disappearance before the May 13 sentencing. He pled guilty and will be sentenced in July.

The case was investigated by The Dalles Police, and the district attorney’s office specially recognized the lead investigator, Detective Austin Ell.

“I am so relieved,” the child’s mother said near the end of her statement. “I can sleep without getting up throughout the night to make sure my daughters are safe, I can walk around outside or in the store without the fear of running into you. I see trucks that resembles the one that you had, and I know without a shadow of a doubt it’s not you! Your presence no longer haunts me. Lucas, you meant this to be harmful to me and my family, but you taught me more than you’ll ever know. You did not ruin my life.”