Man threw parties to lure kids to homeInvestigators say Robert Wayne Thomas, 42, claimed he wanted a 13-year-old girl to be his wife.A Chiefland man has been arrested for sex crimes against children after reportedly throwing parties to lure them to his home. Investigators said the man claimed he wanted a 13-year-old girl who attended at least one of the parties to be his wife.
Robert Wayne Thomas, 42, of 10451 NW 103rd Lane, was arrested earlier this month on two counts of lewd and lascivious conduct on a minor. Levy County Sheriff's Office Investigator Tom Martin is continuing his investigation to determine whether there may have been other victims.
Witnesses told deputies that during the summer of 2008, Thomas would throw parties at his home, hosting up to 20 children at a time between the ages of 11 and 15. Thomas reportedly gave the children alcohol and then had them play games like "Truth or Dare."
During the games, witnesses said Thomas dared the children to do things. Those who refused were criticized by Thomas and the other children. During the games Thomas allegedly poured an alcoholic beverage onto a 13-year-old girl's stomach and then lapped it up off her skin.
At one point Thomas apparently permitted several children to sleep in his bed. Investigators said that when they questioned Thomas, he told them he fantasized about having sex with one child. He also told investigators that he touched one of the children inappropriately.
The situation was discovered earlier this year after Thomas remained in contact with one of the girls who had been at his home. Investigators said he called the 13-year-old on a daily basis and sent text messages to her cell phone.
Thomas reportedly admitted to investigators that his relationship reached the point where he wanted to marry her. To express his interest, Thomas allegedly showered the girl with compliments and gifts, took her to the movies and asked her sexual questions.
Investigator Martin said none of the crimes or inappropriate behavior occurred on school property even though Thomas was frequently on a school campus to attend his own child's school functions.
Thomas was released from the Levy County Jail after posting a $25,000 bond on Friday and agreeing to have no contact with children.
Anyone with information about the case or who suspects their child may have also been a victim is asked to call Martin at 352-486-5111.
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