HEMPFIELD MAN ORDERED TO SERVE SEVEN YEARS PROBATION

A Hempfield man was ordered to serve seven years of probation after pleading guilty to charges of propositioning a teenager last year at a school bus stop.  The Trib reports that 72-year-old Michael Thomas reportedly made sexual comments to a 13-year-old Wendover Middle School student as she waited for the bus on October 18th, 2024.  Authorities said Thomas’ accuser got concerned after he had previously commented on her appearance, made a sexual remark and asked her not to tell her parents about $20 he gave her after making the comments. The girl recorded their last interaction on her cellphone, according to court documents.  On top of the probation, he must serve three years of house arrest and register as a convicted sex offender.