2 Plead Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Children for 20-Year Sentences

Two west Alabama men will spend the next 20 years in prison after they reportedly pleaded guilty in separate cases involving the sexual abuse of children.

Andy Hamlin, the district attorney for the 24th Judicial Circuit, prosecutes cases in Pickens, Fayette and Lamar County.

He announced on Friday that two men pleaded guilty to separate, unrelated cases of abuse against kids in July.

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Timothy Lee Ferguson, 44, of Reform and Torey Scott Thompson, 33, of Gordo, both pleased guilty and were sentenced to 20 years in prison as part of their plea agreements.

Hamlin said due to the nature of the offenses and the age of the children involved, neither will be eligible for early release or parole and the men will not be released until 2043.

“Both negotiated settlements were reached after consultation with the victims’ families,” Hamlin said. "The pleas allowed the cases to be resolved without the children having to testify at trial while ensuring that the sentences that they serve are day-for-day.”

Hamlin said both cases were investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division of the 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office.

“These convictions represent our commitment to protecting and obtaining justice for the most vulnerable members of our community,” Hamlin said. “Our team of investigators and prosecutors will continue to vigorously pursue those who prey upon children and work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all residents in our jurisdiction.”