An Upstate man is expected to spend the next 8 years in prison after pleading guilty to a child sex crime charges. Thomas Earl Parker of Spartanburg entered guilty pleas late last week on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and soliciting a minor.
Investigators say in 2021 Parker began chatting with someone he believed was 14, but in fact were undercover officers. In those chats Parker sent images of himself and the 9 year old victim. Georgia officers learned Parker lived in the Upstate and contacted the Greenville County Sheriff's Office.
Parker then reportedly moved to Spartanburg County and deputies there located him. Parker was taken into custody, a search of his cell phone showed more nude images of the victim.
Parker has been sentenced to 8 years and will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.