Tony Gray Sloop Convicted

By Karen Martin

Staff Writer

kamartin@elkintribune.com

Tony Gray Sloop, 51, of Hamptonville was sentenced Tuesday, June 9, "to a minimum term of 300 months for a maximum term of 369 months," and "given credit for the 411 days spent in confinement prior to the date of judgement."

In March of 2008, Sloop was arrested on various counts of indecent liberties with a minor, first degree rape of a child, and first degree sex offense of a child. On May 28, 2008, 100 felony secret peeping charges were added.

Sloop pleaded guilty to taking indecent liberties with a minor X five, first degree rape X 4 and first degree sex offense child, X 4.

Lieutenant Robin Moxley of the Yadkin County Sheriff's department was one of the investigating officers on the case.

"Sloop was initially charged with the sexual charges and arrested in March of 2008," Moxley said. "After his arrest, other information was brought forward and charges of felony secret peeping were added."

Sloop was charged in 2008 with having sex with a 13 year old girl on at least four occasions. Information on the warrants claim that Sloop fostered a relationship with the girl beginning in January 2008. In April 2008 the girl's mother, and a youth pastor, notified authorities after noticing that she was receiving frequent phone calls and text messages from Sloop, even while on a church field trip. Reportedly Sloop had purchased the cell phone and given it to the victim in order to keep in constant contact with her.

Other women claiming they were victims of Sloop came forward after the relationship with the girl became public. The additional alleged incidents with the women, now in their 20s, date back to 1991.

The secret peeping charges stemmed from Sloop's filming nine different women who used his wife's tanning bed in their basement. Sloop installed cameras in pinholes in the basement and bathroom. The women are of a variety of ages.

On the sentencing

"I'm glad the sentence is so long," Moxley said. "He will be 75 when he gets out of prison. Life in prison is so different than out here. Life at the ripe old age of 75 in prison is a very hard life."

Sloop's deal to plead guilty versus a trial by jury is a very common occurrence in the judicial system. District Attorneys, as well as the attorneys for the victims, and the victims opinions and wishes are heard and considered before a defendant is offered a deal.

"With every case the investigating officer wants the maximum sentence, but if the victims are satisfied with the sentence agreement and everyone understands then justice is served," Moxley said. "Twenty-five to thirty years behind bars is a long time."

On the topic of sex offenses of children and the prevention thereof Lt. Moxley had the following to say.

"Not any one thing that a parent notices or doesn't notice is a fault," she said. "A lot of times the perpetrator is someone who you trust, and something that you believe could never happen. Parents just need to be aware of their children's behavior in case they notice a real difference, and children need to tell someone in authority if an adult is making improper comments or trying to get close to them. Tell a parent, a pastor, a friends parent, or the police."

Sex offense of children is often by a friend of the family, a family member or a person in the position of counselor and helper. Although there are many cases of stranger rape, often, young girls are taken in by the relationship with the individual who assaults them. Support groups are available to help families cope with issues surrounding abuse. Local law enforcement officials can supply the names the support groups in your area.