BY KEITH EPPS
A Spotsylvania County man who molested the 12-year-old daughter in a family that allowed him to move into their home was ordered Wednesday to serve three years in prison.
Kyle Spencer Thom, 21, pleaded guilty in Spotsylvania Circuit Court to aggravated sexual battery and taking indecent liberties with a child.
As part of a plea agreement, Thom was sentenced to 30 years in prison with all but three years suspended.
According to the evidence presented by prosecutor Martha Norton, deputies went to the Spotsylvania home Feb. 4 after the mother reported getting phone calls about Thom having sex with her daughter.
The child told deputies that she and Thom were good friends who had "cuddled" on the couch, but she denied any sexual contact.
Thom also initially denied the allegations, but he later admitted to deputies that the child had performed a sex act on him.
Thom said he thought the girl was 18, court records state.
Detective Susan Cantrell later learned that Thom and the child had had relations multiple times at another home in the county, in his bedroom and in his car.
The child also later admitted to sexual activity with Thom, but she told Cantrell that she loved Thom and didn't want him to get into trouble.
As part of the plea agreement, charges of rape and forcible sodomy against Thom were dropped.
Norton said the sentence Thom received was in accordance with the recommended state sentencing guidelines and with the victim's family's wishes.
Thom was represented by attorney Sarah Abernathy. He will have to register as a sex offender.
Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
Email: kepps@freelancestar.com