Video: Court Rejects Appeal of 27-Year Sexual Battery Sentence

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OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) —  A 77-year-old man serving 27-years for sexually assaulting a young relative will remain in prison.

Three years ago, James Thomas pleaded guilty to sexual battery of the girl, who was 11 at the time in 2003, while he was visiting relatives in Oktibbeha County.

Judge Lee Howard sentenced him to 27 years in prison and Thomas appealed, claiming he misunderstood his plea and that his attorney was ineffective.

In denying Thomas’ claims, the state court of appeals noted Thomas fled the country to avoid a 2004 trial and made statements throughout the case indicating he understood what was happening.