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Pieper Lewis, who pleaded guilty to killing alleged rapist, escapes custody

Lewis was originally sentenced to five years of probation.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Pieper Lewis, a sex trafficking victim who pleaded guilty to killing her accused rapist, has escaped custody.

According to officials with the Iowa Department of Corrections, Lewis walked away from the Fresh Start Women's Center in Des Moines shortly after 6 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 4. She cut off her "GPS unit" before departing.

On Sept. 13, Lewis was sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter and willful injury. Both charges were punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Des Moines Police Department are aware of Lewis's escape. A warrant for her arrest has been issued. 

Lewis has not previously escaped from custody.

Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Download the We Are Iowa app or subscribe to Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter for the latest.

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