Gila County Attorney Daisy Flores announces that on March 6th, 2008, a Gila County jury found Payson resident Thomas Georgatos, age 36, guilty of 3 counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor Under the Age of 15 a Dangerous Crime Against Children; & 3 counts of Involving a Minor in a Drug Offense, with 2 of these counts being Dangerous Crime Against Children. To be guilty of a Dangerous Crime Against Children a Defendant must target a child who is under the age of 15 & if found guilty of any Dangerous Crime Against Children, the penalty is harsher & must be served without possibility of parole. Gila County Attorney, Daisy Flores & Deputy County Attorney Lacy Hakim presented the case to the jury.
On Jan. 3rd, 2007, now retired Payson Police Dept. Detective Steve Johnson was called out to assist with the investigation of a case of possible sexual assault & drug use by the victims & suspects. After a long & thorough investigation, it was determined that Tom Georgatos with another adult male took 3 teenage girls, ages 17, 14, & 14, to a local hotel in Payson. While in the hotel room Georgatos & his 42 year old male friend gave methamphetamines to all 3 girls. The 42 year old male left with the 17 year old girl and while Georgatos was alone with both 14 year old girls he engaged in sexual conduct with each girl.
Mr. Georgatos is scheduled to be sentenced in Payson on March 31st, 2008, at 9 am by Presiding Judge Peter Cahill. Mr. Georgatos is facing mandatory consecutive prison sentences on 5 separate Dangerous Crimes Against Children offenses for a total possible sentence of 65 to 135 years, plus another potential 10.5 to 35 years on the remaining count with a total possible punishment of 170 years. Daisy Flores said, “All 3 victims and their families assisted in ensuring Georgatos was held accountable for his actions. The 3 young ladies showed particular strength & bravery in reporting this crime & testifying at trial. Additionally, it is always the diligent effort of the investigating agency that ensures any successful prosecution & the Payson Police Dept., Detective Les Barr, & Detective Steve Johnson, now retired, are commended for their efforts & assistance in this matter.”