A former church security guard who was caught falling from a ceiling during a standoff with Hoover police has pleaded guilty to second-degree rape.
Thomas Raburn “Tommy” Farris, 45, of Leeds, was originally charged with first-degree rape for forcibly raping a teenage girl at a theater/shack in McCalla in 2020.
Farris pleaded guilty to second-degree rape in Tuscaloosa County, according to court records. His sentencing is scheduled for June 18.
Farris was indicted in Tuscaloosa County in 2022 for raping a girl. Court records show the victim became pregnant and gave birth to Farris’ child in 2021.
Farris was later released from the Tuscaloosa County Jail on $35,000 bail, but prosecutors filed a motion to revoke that bail in January.
Under the conditions of his release, Farris is prohibited from possessing firearms.
After being released from prison, Farris found work as an officer at a company that provided security for a Birmingham church and carried a firearm as part of his duties, court records show.
Court records include photos of Farris with a gun in his waistband.
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Judge Daniel Pruet revoked Farris’ bail on Jan. 14 and issued a warrant for his arrest. Authorities have been searching for him ever since.
On January 26, the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force and Hoover police tracked Farris to the InTown Suites, an extended stay motel.
While surrounded, the fugitive cut a hole in the ceiling and climbed into the attic, authorities said. He was caught as he fell from the ceiling.
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