Chad James Boyer Seeks Ruling on Past Relationship Evidence in Oak Harbor Rape Trial

Chad James Boyer, a 55-year-old former physical education teacher, faces a December 8 trial on a charge of rape in the second degree in Oak Harbor. His defense team has filed a motion asking the court to admit evidence of a previous sexual relationship between Boyer and the woman who accused him. The defense argues this history is relevant to determining whether the woman consented to the encounter on August 24, 2025.

The central legal conflict involves Washington’s rape shield law, which generally bars defendants from using an alleged victim’s past sexual behavior to attack credibility. The law aims to protect victims from invasive questioning and prejudice. However, an exception exists for evidence of prior sexual activity between the specific defendant and victim. A judge may admit such evidence if it is relevant to consent, its value is not outweighed by unfair prejudice, and excluding it would deny the defendant substantial justice.

Prosecutors are simultaneously seeking to add a charge of assault in the second degree by strangulation to the case. Deputy Prosecutor Amy Mirabile filed this motion on July 15, arguing the charge stems from the same incident and requires no additional witnesses. A judge already found probable cause for both rape and assault during Boyer’s initial appearance in August 2025, though only the rape charge was initially filed.

The defense motion details a history that began in 2022 when Boyer and the woman met through a dating website. They had consensual sex twice during that period. The two reconnected in the summer of 2025 after meeting at a Walmart store in Oak Harbor. They exchanged phone numbers and resumed communication. Mazzone cites messages where the woman described their earlier arrangement as friends with benefits. In one exchange, Boyer invited her to come over, and she replied she was tempted but said not yet.

The allegations describe a specific sequence of events at Boyer’s home. The woman stated she arrived to help jump-start a truck and was led into the bedroom. She told investigators that Boyer held her down and placed his hand around her throat, restricting her breathing. She alleged he raped her while she physically resisted. Boyer provided a different account to police, stating the woman initiated kissing and that he stopped touching her when she pulled away. He denied using force.

Medical records from the hospital visit noted abdominal pain, genital redness, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and blurred vision. The woman remained overnight for further testing, including an MRI. The police report indicated that medical personnel had not yet determined whether she suffered genital tearing. Boyer was released on his personal recognizance at his initial hearing, with court documents showing no prior criminal history.

Island County Superior Court will hold a hearing on November 3 at 10 a.m. to decide on the proposed amended charges and the admission of the relationship evidence. Defense attorney Peter Mazzone filed the motion on July 27, citing a 1983 Washington Supreme Court decision that allows some prior sexual conduct evidence when it is relevant to a defense. The judge must determine if the proposed evidence meets the strict requirements of the rape shield law.