Hartford City man sentenced for kidnapping conviction
HARTFORD CITY, Ind. — A Hartford City man convicted of kidnapping — resulting in bodily injury — has been sentenced to six years in prison.
Anthoni C. Thornburgh, 32, pleaded guilty to the Level 5 felony. He was sentenced in recent days by Blackford Circuit Court Judge Brian Bade.
Thornburgh was originally charged with rape, a Level 1 felony carrying up to 40 years in prison.
That count was no longer pending, and a plea agreement called for dismissal of four other charges — criminal confinement while armed with a deadly weapon, possession of meth, theft and possession of marijuana.
The Hartford City man's accuser told police last year that Thornburgh had arranged for an Uber driver to bring the victim from Marion to Hartford City for a planned sexual encounter after they had met on an online social networking app.
More: Winchester man charged with rape, human trafficking apprehended in England
However, the victim said they were held against their will in a room at a local motel along North Walnut Street and forced to perform a sex act at knifepoint.
The victim escaped from the motel through a bathroom window.
Thornburgh was also accused of taking the victim's cell phone.
Hartford City police said they found meth and marijuana after receiving a warrant to search two rooms at the motel.
Thornburgh, a former Muncie resident, received credit for 445 days already served in the Blackford County Jail. He will reportedly participate in a substance abuse program while in prison.
Court records reflect his earlier convictions were for misdemeanors, including criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and resisting law enforcement.
In other court news:
Firearm, drug charges: A Gas City woman facing drug and firearm charges in Blackford Circuit Court has received an Aug. 27 trial date.
Chelsea L. Barker, 33, is charged with possession of meth and unlawful carrying of a handgun, both Level 5 felonies carrying maximum six-year sentences.
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Hartford City man charged in motel assault sentenced for kidnapping
