Judge sentences Riverside man to 18 years in prison for child rape

WENATCHEE – Chelan County Superior Court Judge Travis Brandt on Thursday sentenced a Riverside man to 18 years in prison for the rape of a child.

In April, a jury found Thunder R. Danzuka, 43, guilty of two counts of first-degree rape of a child with aggravating circumstances and one count of second-degree rape of a child with aggravating circumstances. Danzuka committed the crimes between 2010 and 2013 in Chelan County.

Washington’s Sentencing Reform Act establishes the sentence ranges for the offenses as 162 to 216 months for first-degree rape of a child and 146 to 194 months for second-degree rape of a child. The Chelan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office recommended an exceptional sentence above the standard range, as permitted by the jury’s finding of the aggravating circumstances.

Judge Brandt acknowledged the victim’s bravery in coming forward and telling what happened to her and sentenced Danzuka to 216 months, or 18 years—the high end of the standard range.

“The survivor in this case has shown immense personal strength,” said Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Julia Hartnell, Special Assault Lead for the Chelan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. “It was an honor to stand with her in court, to seek justice on her behalf and to see her grow from a victim to a survivor.”

After the trial, the survivor shared that she hopes parents and caregivers realize how important it is to listen and look for changes in their children, and to know that children may not always have the words to say what is happening to them.

Thursday’s sentencing marked the completion of the case against Danzuka, who was originally tried in July 2021; however, that trial resulted in a hung jury.

“For the survivor to have gone through a trial not once but twice shows an amount of courage that is humbling,” Hartnell said. “Fewer than 1 in 3 sexual crimes are reported to law enforcement, let alone prosecuted. Her tenacity and strength through this process is incredible.”

Hartnell thanks SAGE, a nonprofit agency in Wenatchee that provides services to victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes, and the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, including now-retired Detective Randy Grant, for their roles in not only the investigative process but also victim support.

“In cases like these, there are many barriers in holding an offender accountable,” Hartnell said. “Having a highly trained and compassionate team in our community allows victims to feel safe and comfortable so they can be heard.”

Chelan County values the privacy of victims who have experienced traumatic events. The County does not identify victims unless they choose to be identified. It is our hope that outside agencies recognize the trauma victims experience and also pledge to not release information that identifies them in public communications or reporting. The Chelan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office provides no further comment on this case.