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Church Guard Nabbed Falling Through Ceiling After Rape Plea
2 Apr
Summary
- Former church guard pleaded guilty to second-degree rape.
- He was captured after falling through a ceiling during a standoff.
- Farris's sentencing is scheduled for June 18.
Thomas Raburn Farris, a 45-year-old former church security guard, has pleaded guilty to second-degree rape. The charge relates to a 2020 incident involving a juvenile girl in McCalla. Farris, originally indicted on first-degree rape in Tuscaloosa County in 2022, entered his guilty plea to the lesser charge. His sentencing is set for June 18.
Authorities had been searching for Farris since January 14, when his bond was revoked. He had reportedly violated conditions of his release by possessing a gun while employed as a security officer for a Birmingham church. The U.S. Marshals and Hoover police located Farris at an extended-stay motel on January 26. During the arrest attempt, he cut through a ceiling and entered the attic, only to fall through it and be apprehended.
The victim became pregnant as a result of the assault and gave birth to Farris's child in 2021. Farris had previously been released on $35,000 bond.
