MACON, Ga. — A 49-year-old man has been convicted and sentenced for molesting a 14-year-old in 2017, according to a release from Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
Torrence Thornton was found guilty on 10 charges including rape, statutory rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated child molestation, child molestation (two counts), HIV reckless conduct (two counts), and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (two counts).
The jury deliberated for about 20 minutes before returning their verdict on Friday, Jan. 12. The trial took about a week and half.
The judge sentenced Thornton to three consecutive life sentences plus 90 years.
Thornton had a relationship with the child’s guardian and was able to gain regular access to her. The assaults occurred over about 11 months before the child came forward. Thornton also had a second victim and he held them both at gunpoint in his bedroom before raping and sodomizing them both.
Because of his threatening and violent reputation, the children were scared to report him. Thornton was also HIV positive and never disclosed his status to either of his victims.
The 14-year-old victim came forward and reported what Thornton had done after she tested positive for HIV.
The DA’s office says It took nearly seven years to bring Thorton’s case to trial after he switched attorneys multiple times.
“My heart is truly saddened by the horrific events these two young girls were forced to endure at the hands of this predator. His actions, in effect, sentenced them both to a lifetime of nightmares, guilt and shame, including a lifetime of HIV infection for one young victim. I am so proud of these young ladies for their commitment to seeing this case through to its rightful culmination.” DA Anita Howard.
It is the oldest incarcerated case in the Bibb County jail, according to the DA’s office.
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