GREENVILLE MAN RECEIVES 15-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR LEWD ACT CONVICTIONS

A Greenville man received a 15-year prison sentence today for making sexual advances on two children.

Bobby Shane Thornton, 37, pleaded guilty to two counts of lewd act on a minor. Spartanburg County sheriff’s deputies opened the investigation in April 2004 after receiving a report of sexual abuse involving a 9-year-old at a Lyman-area home. Deputies discovered the second victim during their investigation. Both victims described the crimes during forensic exams with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Spartanburg. Thornton pleaded guilty moments before his case was set to be called for trial.

“I hope today’s court decision provides some relief to the victims and their families,” Assistant Solicitor Susan Reese said. “He stole the trust of two innocent girls.”

Thornton will have his name added to the Sex Offender Registry.