Weakley County man Charged in 2004 Rape of a Child

A Weakley County man was arrested for charges stemming from 2004 in connection with the rape of a child, incest, aggravated sexual battery, rape and sexual battery by an authority figure.

Phillip Sanchez was arraigned August 12 and has an upcoming status hearing in Judge Jeff Parham’s Circuit Court for the charges, however details surrounding the case cannot be provided due to TN Code 37-1-612 which states that  “In order to protect the rights of the child and the child's parents or other persons responsible for the child's welfare, all records concerning reports of child sexual abuse, including files, reports, records, communications and working papers related to investigations or providing services; video tapes; reports made to the abuse registry and to local offices of the department; and all records generated as a result of such processes and reports, shall be confidential and exempt from other provisions of law, and shall not be disclosed.”

Rape of a Child could carry the death penalty since Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee approved legislation this year allowing the death penalty in child rape convictions, a change that went into effect July 1 this year. Previously, people facing child rape charges could serve up to 40 years in prison. It is unclear whether the new law applies in this case due to the charges stemming from 2004, however the law does state “when convicted,” so it could still be a possibility. It is also unclear whether Tennessee would be able to uphold a death sentence in cases such as this since the Supreme Court has ruled that the death penalty in child rape cases not resulting in death would be deemed unconstitutional. 

Rape of a Child is a Class A Felony which carries a sentence of 15-60 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000. A Class A Felony is also the most serious of felonies and could result in the death penalty.  Incest is a Class C Felony which carries 3-15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Aggravated Sexual Battery is a Class B Felony carrying 8-30 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Rape is also a Class B felony. Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure is a Class C Felony. 

Sanchez is currently being held at the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department and is represented by Public Defender Martin Dunn. His status hearing will be held on August 26 at 9 a.m.