By Ashley McLeod, Staff Writer
Feb 17, 2014, 13:55
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — A Colonial Heights man was sentenced to three years in prison Tuesday morning after pleading no contest in August to a charge of aggravated sexual battery with a victim under the age of 13.
Roger Lamont Thomas Jr., 18, was sentenced 10 years with seven suspended, followed by 20 years of probation. Thomas was originally charged with rape, which was amended to aggravated sexual battery during the trial process.
The felony charge has a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Thomas began a relationship with a 12-year-old girl after finding her number written on a sliding board near Shepherd Stadium. Thomas was a junior at Colonial Heights High School at the time of the offense.
An evaluation of Thomas showed no signs of sexual deviances and no evidence that he was a pedophile. The evaluation also stated his mental immaturity, as well as sexual immaturity, may have affected his decision in getting involved with a minor.
Thomas was two years behind in school, which the defense stated may have seemed to lessen the age gap, allowing Thomas to believe his actions were not inappropriate.
Thomas expressed his remorse to the judge before his sentencing, apologizing to his family, as well as the court, for his actions leading to his arrest.
