A man who sexually assaulted a 7-year-old neighbor after luring her into his home to see his snake collection was ordered yesterday to serve six years in prison.
Harry Thiel Emory, 68, was previously convicted of aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties in Spotsylvania Circuit Court.
As part of a plea agreement, Emory could not have gotten more than six years to serve. Judge David Beck gave him 20 years with 14 years suspended.
According to the evidence, the girl and her young friend went to Emory’s home the evening of Sept. 25, 2009.
The other girl quickly left, leaving the 7-year-old alone with Emory.
The girl’s mother knocked and kicked on Emory’s door for several minutes after learning her child was in the house.
She had told the child to never go on Emory’s property, according to the evidence.
The child finally came running from the side of the home. She was visibly upset and told her mother what Emory had done.
The mother returned to Emory’s home a short time later with her boyfriend and another man.
They confronted Emory about the improper touching allegations and later called the police.
Deputy James Harney Jr. responded to the call and according to court records, Emory immediately told him that he “had done something bad.”
Emory told the deputy that he’d taken the child into his basement to see the snakes and “touched her leg.” He repeated several times that “it was a bad thing and I shouldn’t have done it.”
The child testified in detail at a preliminary hearing about how and where Emory had touched her. She said he also asked her to kiss him on the cheek, but she did not.
Prosecutor John C. Bowers agreed to the six-year cap in part so that the child would not have to testify again.
Emory, who had no prior criminal record, has already served nearly a year.