Lubbock, TX — Tony Ray Thornton, 56, who serves as CEO and President of the Planned Parenthood Association of Lubbock, was arrested and jailed Monday afternoon for indecent exposure after he approached a 43-year old male at a local baseball field and revealed his private area.
According to Texas Penal Code 21.08, indecent exposure is a Class B misdemeanor, and is committed when a suspect exposes his genitals with the intent to arouse the sexual desire of another person.
Thornton was released the following day after posting a bond of $750.
“As disgusting as this crime is, it is not unusual for men and women with sexual perversions to be involved in the abortion business. It is the abortion industry’s dirty little secret,” said Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Policy Advisor to Operation Rescue and Pro-Life Nation. “We have documented a shocking number of abortionists and abortion workers that have criminal or disciplinary history that includes everything from rape to ‘crossing sexual boundaries.’ What is shocking is that these people are often permitted to remain in the field after being exposed as sex abusers and perverts. That puts patients at risk for abuse.”
Efforts by Lubbock area reporters to get a reaction from Planned Parenthood on Thornton’s arrest have been so far unsuccessful.
“We are appalled at Thornton’s conduct and hope he is prosecuted to the full extent of the law. What is equally disturbing is that Planned Parenthood has yet to renounce Thornton or his criminal behavior. That alone speaks volumes,” said Sullenger.
UPDATE: Planned Parenthood Federation of America has since fired Thornton. He faces $2,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail.
Visit Planned Parenthood of Lubbock’s profile page on AbortionDocs.org.
Read the Lubbock Police Incident Report