A South Carolina man who tried to kidnap WWE star Sonya Deville in August 2020 was sentenced to fifteen years in jail final week. Phillip Arnold Thomas stalked Deville for years on social media and spent eight months planning to kidnap the wrestler earlier than heading to her house in Lutz, Florida, authorities mentioned. After Thomas’ sentencing, Deville thanked followers for supporting her via the ordeal.
Thomas allegedly stalked Deville on social media for years, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Workplace says WFLA. He deliberate to kidnap her and tried to carry her hostage. He parked his car in entrance of a church, then walked house. He used a knife to enter his home via a patio display screen. A couple of hours later, he broke a sliding door, which set off an alarm.
Deville, 29, was at house on the time with fellow WWE star Mandy Rose. They had been capable of depart the home and referred to as 911. When officers arrived, Thomas was nonetheless there. He was carrying the knife, plastic ties, duct tape and a mace, officers mentioned. He was charged with aggravated felony harassment, armed theft, tried kidnapping and felony mischief.
“Our deputies uncover the suspect’s disturbing obsession with this house owner whom he had by no means met, however stalked on social media for years,” Sheriff Chad Chronister mentioned in 2020. “It is scary to consider all of the methods this incident might have performed out had the home alarm not gone off and alerted the proprietor of an intruder.”
The case didn’t go to trial, as Thomas accepted a plea cope with prosecutors. He was sentenced to fifteen years in jail and 15 years probation after his launch. He was additionally ordered to haven’t any contact with Deville and his household. He should pay court docket prices and undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation and full any suggestions inside two months of his launch.
“Thanks to everybody who reached out as we speak,” Deville wrote on Could 3. “After virtually 3 years we lastly bought a closure final week. I am pleased and wholesome and I’ve wonderful folks by my facet. To say it is over appears unusual to me however I am past grateful for the help and assist I’ve acquired over the previous 3 years from HCSO, Tampa PD, to everybody within the courts, attorneys, mates, safety and plenty of extra I’ve lots to say relating to this case which I believe might help lots of people in related conditions now that the authorized stuff is completed. However for now, thanks.
Deville’s actual identify is Daria Rae Berenato. She made her skilled debut with WWE in December 2015. Deville and Chelsea Inexperienced had been drafted for Uncooked as a part of the 2023 WWE Draft. She bumped into authorized hassle herself in February when she was arrested in Atlantic Metropolis for possessing an unlicensed firearm. She was launched on a summons for an upcoming court docket date.