In August of 2013, Thomas F. Bolton of Wilhoit, AZ allegedly raped a 16-year-old girl at his home. Bolton was convicted of sexually assaulting and kidnapping the underage victim, and was sentenced on June 30 to 14 years in prison. He was also sentenced to 10 years on the kidnapping charges.
The victim in the case told authorities that while at his home, Wilhoit forcibly removed her clothes and held her down to rape her. Wilhoit allegedly stopped assaulting the girl when her boyfriend showed up at the home. He told a deputy that Bolton has his girlfriend pinned to a bed, and that he heard her saying “no.” Bolton denied having sexual contact with the girl, but was charged with harassment after driving to a business in Wilhoit in September of last year where he allegedly blocked a vehicle containing the victim and a friend in a parking lot.
According to a news report at CBS 5 in Arizona, Bolton’s sentences will run concurrently, and he will service the full 14-year sentence for sexual assault.
News reports did not make it clear whether the victim was 16 at the time of the alleged rape, or if she is 16 now. However, the criminal penalties for sexually assaulting a minor are extremely serious in either case. In the state of Michigan, a conviction for sexual acts that include penetration with a minor will result in up to 15 years in prison, or life in prison depending on the victim’s age. Engaging in sexual acts involving penetration with a victim younger than 13 is typically charged as first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a minor, a felony offense potentially punishable by a life prison term.
Cases involving minors are particularly problematic, as children or teens often exaggerate the truth or even make up stories for various reasons that can ruin a person’s life. However, sexual assaults against minors do occur every day. Regardless of your situation, if you have been accused of statutory rape or sexual assault against a minor, it is critical to obtain the legal guidance and support of a skilled and aggressive Michigan sex crimes attorney. Your reputation, freedom, and career are in jeopardy; take action immediately to protect your future and mitigate the damage.