On Monday February 5, 2018, the Florence Police Department began an investigation into the sexual misconduct of a minor after a concerned citizen in Florence reported that he had observed an adult male and juvenile female “making out” in the Anthem/Merrill Ranch area.
During an interview, the female who is 16 years old, it was disclosed that she had been in a relationship with 46-year old, Paul Scott Thornton 4/26/71 of Eloy, AZ for approximately 11 months. The relationship became sexual in nature in April, 2017. Through investigative leads, it was determined that the suspect was aware of the victim’s age.
Based on the information disclosed in a recorded forensic interview; along with cell phone records, and the fact that the juvenile victim was 16-years old when the first sexual act occurred, Paul Scott Thornton was arrested for (4) counts of sexual misconduct with a minor-Class 6 Felony on 2/9/18.
Paul Scott Thornton is employed with the Red Rock Correctional Center located in Eloy, AZ. He was booked into the Pinal County Jail by Florence Police Department. According to Detective Helsdingen from the Florence Police Department, there could be additional charges pending in this case.