According to a report by PWInsider, the pre-trial hearing for Phillip A. Thomas II will be held on Thursday, August 20th at 4:30PM ET after he was arrested yesterday for breaking into Sonya Deville’s home. Thomas was charged with aggravated stalking, armed burglary of a dwelling, attempted armed kidnapping, and criminal mischief. The hearing will determine if Thomas should be held without bail and remain in jail or if he should be able to post bond and be released until trial. Thomas is currently in the Hillsborough County Jail in Florida.
Phillip A.Thomas, age 24, had been planning the abduction for eight months and was stalking the victim on social media. Thomas was found inside the home with a knife, plastic zip ties, duct tape, and mace.
At around midnight, Thomas reportedly parked his car at the Idlewild Church near Dale Mabry Highway and Van Dyke Road. He then walked to a home on Pine Hammock Blvd in the Promenade at Lake Park. Thomas cut a hole in the patio screen and remained on the patio for three to four hours while watching and listening through the windows. At approximately 2:43am after the homeowner went to bed, Thomas was able to enter the premises through a glass door, which then set off the alarm.
At that point, the homeowner saw Thomas through the window on the property and left with a guest in the car. The homeowner then called 911. Thomas was found in the house when deputies arrived, where he was reportedly found with the aforementioned items.
Thomas was later arrested and charged with aggravated stalking, armed burglary of a dwelling, attempted armed kidnapping, and criminal mischief.
According to a news release from the Sheriff’s department, Sheriff Chad Chronister commented:
“Our deputies are unveiling the suspect’s disturbing obsession with this homeowner who he had never met, but stalked on social media for years. It’s frightening to think of all the ways this incident could have played out had the home alarm not gone off and alerted the homeowner of an intruder.”
Thomas was active on his Twitter account and mainly commented on Sonya’s Twitter activities. On July 30th, in response to one of her appearances at the GLAAD media awards, he wrote, “I’m so proud of you Daria you’re a inspiration to me.”
Earlier this month, Thomas appeared to comment, “But what if others think I’m not and I have no self confidence or self worth? I’m asking for your advice because I need a second opinion on something that could determine what happens next in my life.”
Sonya Deville issued the following statement after the arrest was made, thanking the Hillsborough Police Department for their actions.
Thank you everyone for your love and concern. A very frightening experience but thankfully everyone is safe. A special thank you to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for their response and assistance. 🖤
— Daddy Deville (@SonyaDevilleWWE) August 17, 2020
Sonya Deville is still scheduled to face Mandy Rose this Sunday at SummerSlam in a “Hair vs. Hair” match. SummerSlam will be airing live on the WWE Network at 7pm(EST) on August 23rd.
