Former Altus pastor pleads guilty to abusing foster child

ALTUS, OK (KSWO) -A former Altus pastor pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a young girl and was sentenced Tuesday.

Tommy Lynn Bailey pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with the intent to commit a felony of lewd molestation. Bailey is charged with sexually abusing a girl who was a foster child in his custody over the course of seven years.

He was sentenced to five years in prison. Bailey will have to pay $15,000 in fines and was ordered to pay the girl $15,000 in restitution.

Bailey will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.

"I believe that the agreement reached with the defendant is fair and, most importantly, will spare this young lady the embarrassment and stress of testifying in open court. She has remained very strong and committed throughout this process. The State's most vulnerable children should not have to be subjected to this kind of treatment when they are placed in foster care. Fortunately for all of us, Mr. Bailey is not a representative of the thousands of foster parents across the State of Oklahoma who are committed to the care and healing of our foster children," said District Attorney John Wampler.

The girl was present in the courtroom at the time of the plea. She told the court the plea agreement had her full support.

Copyright 2016 KSWO. All rights reserved.