Ex-Student Admits School Rape, Attacks

After professing his innocence for 2 1/2 years, a former Newbury Park High School student admitted Tuesday that he raped a woman at knifepoint in a campus bathroom and attacked four other victims near the school in late 1996.

Chad Lawrence Schmidt was 17 at the time, but was set to be prosecuted as an adult because of the seriousness of the crimes. He had previously pleaded not guilty to 22 felony and misdemeanor charges.

But facing a possible life prison sentence, Schmidt walked into court Tuesday and pleaded guilty to 12 felonies, including rape, sexual battery, and assault with intent to commit rape and sodomy.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Lisa West said she was surprised, and also relieved, by the defendant’s decision to change his plea.

West said she had subpoenaed 200 witnesses. Schmidt’s trial was expected to last two months.

Deputy Public Defender Robert Willey could not be reached for comment.

Schmidt now faces up to 21 years in state prison, and will be required to register as a sex offender when released.

The requirement is significant because failing to register would constitute a third-strike, which could send Schmidt back to prison for life, West said.

After Schmidt admitted to the felonies in Ventura County Superior Court, prosecutors agreed to drop the remaining 10 misdemeanor charges. They also dropped four allegations that could have enhanced his prison term if he was convicted by a jury. A sentencing hearing is set for June 23.