A man who Boardman Police say fondled a seven-year-old girl has been declared a sex offender and is going to prison.

Mahoning County Judge Maureen Sweeney on Wednesday handed down a ten-year sentence to 42-year-old Thomas Spencer.

Just last month a jury found Spencer guilty of two felony counts of gross sexual imposition following a one day trial.

Spencer was charged following an investigation by Boardman Police into claims that in 2023 he had forcible sexual contact with the seven-year-old victim when they were alone at a gathering.

In addition to the prison term, as a Tier Three Sex Offender, Spencer will be required to register his address with authorities when he finishes his sentence.