A Hempfield man was ordered to serve seven years on probation after he pleaded guilty to charges related to claims he propositioned a teenager last year at a school bus stop.
Police claimed Michael D. Thomas, 72, made sexual comments to a 13-year-old Wendover Middle School student as she waited at a local bus stop on Oct. 18, 2024. According to court records, Thomas gave her $20 after he referred to a sex act.
Authorities said Thomas’ accuser got concerned after he had previously commented on her appearance, made a sexual remark and asked her not to tell her parents about the money. The girl recorded their last interaction on her cellphone, according to court documents.
Police apprehended Thomas the next day, when they said he initially appeared confused and later admitted and propositioned the teen because he found her to be attractive.
Thomas pleaded guilty to felony counts of unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of minors and one misdemeanor charge of stalking.
Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Judge Tim Krieger on Oct. 17 sentenced Thomas to serve three years on house arrest as part of the probation term and ordered he register as a convicted sex offender.
