The Alexander City Outlook

Guthrie receives 35 years for sex abuse conviction

A man convicted of sodomy and sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old will spend more than three decades in prison.

Christopher Guthrie was sentenced in Tallapoosa Circuit Court Thursday to 35 years for first-degree sodomy and 25 years for sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old, according to the office of District Attorney E. Paul Jones.

Deputy District Attorney Damon Lewis, who tried the case earlier this month, said the victim was Guthrie’s 6-year-old stepdaughter.

“I’m very pleased with the jury’s decision and the sentence that was given to Mr. Guthrie,” Lewis said.

Lewis added that he believed the family would also be pleased with this sentence.

“I’m sure they are glad to get this behind them,” Lewis said. “I know the little girl is ready to get this behind her as well.”

Guthrie was also sentenced to 20 years for first-degree burglary, 15 years for second-degree assault, 15 years for first-degree theft, 15 years for second-degree theft, 15 years for two third-degree burglary charges, and 15 years for interfering with child custody.

All sentences will be concurrent. He pleaded guilty to these charges while choosing to go to trial on charges of sodomy and sexual abuse.

Guthrie was also arrested in August following the abduction his 5-year-old son. He is facing charges of interference with custody, assault second degree and burglary first degree. Those charges were not included in this case.