Crime & Safety
Detectives Accuse Suspect Of Molesting Numerous Children Going Back 48 Years
Deputies say added child molestation charges on a Valrico suspect could possibly mean he spent 48 years taking advantage of kids.
VALRICO, FL — Sixty-two-year-old Thomas Lair of Valrico faces added child molestation charges following more victims' accusations, a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office news release said.
Lair faces charges of lewd and lascivious molestation, sexual battery (victim under 12, defendant over 18), and sexual battery (victim under 12, defendant under 18), according to deputies.
Nine victims have accused Lair of inappropriate sexual misconduct at various points throughout his life from 1972 to 2020, investigators said.
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Detectives said Lair would use his friendship with families to access the victims. Most of the victims were ages 6-9 years old at the time of the alleged incidents.
Deputies said Lair was arrested on April 13.
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The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office continues to ask any other potential victims to come forward and speak with detectives by calling 813-247-8200.
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