Monroe, NC – A Union County man has been sentenced to between 65 and 88.75 years in prison after being convicted on multiple child sex crime charges, according to the Union County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors said a jury found 52-year-old Richard Thomas Horne guilty of two counts of statutory sex offense, one count of statutory rape, and one count of incest. The presiding judge imposed three consecutive prison terms following the verdict.
According to evidence presented at trial, the abuse began between 2010 and 2012, when Horne allegedly molested his biological daughter while her mother worked overnight as a nurse. The victim was between four and six years old at the time. Authorities said Horne continued the assaults until 2018.
The case came to light in July 2021 after a stepsister reportedly discovered text messages between Horne and the victim. District Attorney Trey Robison commended the victim’s courage in seeing the case through, stating he hopes she “can continue the healing process.”
If Horne is ever released, he will be required to register as a sex offender for life and will remain under satellite-based monitoring.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan Pfuntner.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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