Rape Victim Looking for Relief

Monday, February 19th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

RENO, Nev. (AP) â€” A young woman whose kidnap and rape was ridiculed as a lie by police hopes Tuesday's sentencing of her attacker will ease the pain and terror that have gripped her for more than two years.

Timothy Mobly, 27, admitted he abducted Jennifer W., stuffed her in the trunk of his car and took her to his apartment where he raped and threatened to kill her before driving her home.

Jennifer, 26, who asks that her last name not be used, reported the 1998 crime to Sparks police and was called a liar. Investigators accepted her story only after a 17-year-old high school student was abducted and raped by Mobly and his former roommate.

Mobly pleaded guilty but skipped bail and his sentencing hearing. A girlfriend in Mexico City turned him in to authorities there last month.

He faces up to three life terms for the two attacks.

In a statement she plans to read at Mobly's hearing, Jennifer said the rape and Mobly's subsequent flight placed her ``in a prison.''

``While the monster had his freedom, I was shut into a world of fear and panic because he was on the loose, and I was terrified he would come after me again,'' she wrote.

``I cannot begin to describe how humiliating it was not to leave my house in broad daylight for many months, all because of this man. I cannot tell you the embarrassment I felt when I had to sleep with a night light because I was scared this man would break into my home and kidnap me again.''

Mobly's former roommate, Aaron Cross, is serving two life terms for the rape of the 17-year-old, who said she met the men after receiving unsolicited e-mails.

Jennifer, who said she dated Mobly briefly as a student at the University of Nevada, sued Sparks and its police for more than $900,000. Her civil suit against the city was resolved in August with a $24,999 judgment and she reached an undisclosed settlement with four officers.

Jennifer dropped out of classes at the university and has moved to Pennsylvania with her fiance. They are expecting a son.

She hopes that seeing Mobly finally behind bars will help speed her healing process.

``It will be the biggest relief once this nightmare is over,'' she said. ``I will finally be able to move ahead in life with my family.''