Former Saudi airman files appeal of 35-year rape sentence

LAS VEGAS — A former Saudi Arabian air force sergeant serving a minimum of 35 years in Nevada prison is appealing his kidnapping, coercion and rape convictions involving a 13-year-old boy at a Las Vegas Strip hotel.

Defense attorneys for Mazen Alotaibi say in Nevada Supreme Court documents posted Monday that Alotaibi didn't get a fair trial because of errors by the judge and poor representation by his trial lawyer.

Alotaibi was convicted in October 2013. He's now 26.

Attorneys Dominic Gentile and Vincent Savarese say the judge should have told the Clark County District Court jury they could consider a lesser felony charge of statutory sexual seduction that carries a one-to-five year sentence.

Alotaibi's fired trial lawyer, Don Chairez, says he hopes Alotaibi wins his appeal.

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