Arlington Heights man admits molesting teenage girl

An Arlington Heights man charged with molesting a 13-year-old girl in 2010 has pleaded guilty to the charges.

Terrill Thomas, 30, was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay $3,609 in exchange for his guilty plea to aggravated criminal sexual abuse, records show.

Upon his release, Thomas must register as a sex offender. Cook County sheriff's police say Thomas met the victim in January 2010 after seeing her photograph on a social networking site. Thomas sent messages to the girl, who began communicating online and by telephone, according to a release from the Cook County sheriff's office.

Thomas initially told the girl he was 20 and she told him she was 18 and later said she was 14, police said. The two met at the girl's house while her parents were at work. Police say they placed Thomas at the scene through DNA found on the victim's clothing.

Sheriff's police say Thomas was convicted of battery in 2007. He was also convicted of battery causing bodily injury in 2009, police say. He received probation for both convictions.