Arlington man sentenced to 12 consecutive life sentences

ARLINGTON, VA

Thomas Edward Fitzpatrick was sentenced today in Arlington County Circuit Court to 12 consecutive life sentences for sexually abusing a child from 2001 to 2003. The sentence means that the 50-year-old Fitzpatrick will likely spend the rest of his life in prison. According to the Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, this is the longest prison sentence handed down in the County in at least a decade.

Fitzpatrick was arrested on Nov. 20, 2003, after information came to light that he was abusing a child. On May 24, Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to seven counts of forcible sodomy, four counts of object sexual penetration, and one count of abduction with intent to defile, all felonies.

Specific details about the investigation are being withheld to protect the victim.