Thomas Edward Stokes Jr. (WRDW-TV)

Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013

WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WRDW) -- A Waynesboro man is behind bars after allegedly sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl on Friday.

Investigators say the 12-year-old girl went to the home on the 800 block of Waters Street to visit a friend. The home is owned by Councilwoman Portia Washington.

The family was not home, but 44-year-old Thomas Edwards Stokes Jr. was inside caring for the family's pets. When he answered the door, a dog came outside. The little girl leaned down to pick up the puppy, which is when Stokes allegedly dragged her inside to the bedroom where he is accused of raping and beating her.

After the incident, he allegedly told her to get dressed and forced her outside a back door, telling her he'd kill her family if she told anyone what happened.

Law enforcement was notified, but by the time they got to the home, Stokes was gone. He was later found walking along Highway 25 in Richmond County.

Stokes was taken to the Burke County Jail.

He was released from prison on Dec. 24 after serving time for an armed robbery conviction.

Have information or an opinion about this story? Click here to contact the newsroom.

Copyright WRDW-TV News 12. All rights reserved. This material may not be republished without express written permission.