Prison Time For Elder Abuse

PRESS RELEASE

Jackson, MS—A Senatobia resident has been sentenced to prison for the sexual battery of a vulnerable person, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.

Roy Wallace Thomas, 70, of Senatobia appeared before Tate County Circuit Court Judge Gerald Chatham Thursday to be sentenced after entering an open plea of guilty to three counts of sexual battery of a vulnerable person. Judge Chatham sentenced Thomas on each count to 10 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, five suspended, five to serve, with five years on post release supervision. The sentences are to run concurrent. The defendant must also register as a sex offender upon release and remain on the registry for life. Thomas was also ordered to pay a $500 fine, $100 to the Mississippi Crime Victim Compensation Fund and $200 to offset expenses associated with investigation and prosecution.

The Attorney General’s investigation revealed that the defendant engaged in sex at least three times with the victim, who was in a mental health facility and with whom he had been appointed guardianship following the death of both the victims parents. The crime occurred at Thomas’ home while the victim was on pass from the mental health facility.

“It is our duty to protect our orphans, our widows and our state’s most vulnerable,” said Attorney General Hood. “I appreciate the Judge’s ruling which will finally get this defendant off the streets and out of this victim’s life.”

The case was investigated and prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.