Florida man accused of molesting at least 9 victims spanning over decades, including children
04/29/2022 11:48 am PDT
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (TCD) -- A 62-year-old man was arrested after allegedly molesting at least nine victims spanning from 1972 through 2020.
Most of Thomas Lair’s victims who came forward were between 6 and 9 years old at the time of the crimes, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says.
On April 13, Lair was initially arrested and charged with five counts of lewd or lascivious molestation (victim under 12) and two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation (victim 12-15), according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Then, about two weeks later on April 29, more charges were reportedly added against him. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Lair now faces 13 counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, one count of sexual battery, (victim under 12) and one count of sexual battery (victim under 12).
Lair often targeted his friends’ daughters, the Tampa Bay Times reports.
The Sheriff’s Office is seeking other potential victims, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement, "Our detectives are concerned that there could be other children affected, and we are asking anyone else who may be a victim not to be afraid to come forward and speak out."
Chronister added, "It’s important for parents to be cautious of any adult they entrust to care for their children and to also listen to their children if they say they are uncomfortable around an individual."
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