Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Raping Woman at Depot Park

On August 24, Thomas James Akins, 49, was convicted of sexual battery and sentenced to eight years in prison. 

Facing a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, Akins reached a plea agreement with prosecutors that was accepted by Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard. Prosecutors cited victim availability as grounds for the plea deal and she consented to the agreement, court records show.

Earlier this year, the victim was filling up her water bottle on the northside of Depot Park when Akins approached her and attempted to talk to her. The victim was not interested in talking to Akins, who then forced her to the ground, threatened to kill her and raped her.

This will be Akins’ fourth Florida prison sentence and the first that is greater than 13 months. His prior stints stem from charges of battery, robbery and unlawful threats.