Sonya Deville Issues Statement On Sentencing Of Attempted Kidnapper

Philip Thomas, the man who attempted to kidnap WWE's Sonya Deville in August 2020, was sentenced to 15 years in jail earlier this week. A plea agreement was accepted by Judge Barbara Twine-Thomas in Tampa, Florida and Thomas pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping, aggravated stalking, and armed burglary, among other charges. After serving his sentence, Thomas will have 15 years of probation.

Deville issued a statement about Thomas' sentencing, writing the following on Instagram:

"Thank you to everyone who has reached out today. After almost 3 years we finally got some closure last week. I am happy and healthy and have amazing people by my side. To say it's over feels odd but I am beyond grateful for the support and help I received over the past 3 years from HCSO, Tampa PD, to everyone in the courts, attorneys, friends, security and so so many more. I have a lot to say pertaining to this situation which I feel can help a lot of people in similar situations now that the legalities are over. BUT for now thank you."

Philip Thomas was arrested in the early hours of August 16, 2020. It emerged that he had been planning to abduct Deville for months and travelled from South Carolina to Florida to do so. He spent three to four hours outside of Deville's home after cutting a hole in her patio screen before he decided to enter the property after Deville and Mandy Rose - who was staying at the home - went to bed. The house alarm was triggered after Thomas entered the home and Deville called the police after fleeing the premises with Rose.

Thomas was carrying a mace, a knife, duct tape, plastic zip ties, and other items at the time of his arrest. He admitted to police that he was planning to take Deville hostage.

Deville stepped away from WWE following the incident before returning in January 2021 as an authority figure. She eventually transitioned back to full in-ring competition and she is currently in a tag team with Chelsea Green on WWE programming.