Toby Willis, father of singing group The Willis Clan, pleaded guilty to four counts of child rape on Tuesday (July 11) and will serve 40 years in prison.
The 47-year-old father of 12 -- who starred with his family on TLC's The Willis Family reality show -- received 25-year sentences on two rape counts and 40-year sentences on another two counts in Cheatham County, Tennessee, The Tennessean reports. The four sentences will run concurrently and be served in their entirety.
Willis was arrested in September last year after fleeing Tennessee for Kentucky in an attempt to avoid arrest. An investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation that began earlier that year found information that Willis had a sexual encounter with an underage female about 12 years prior, when the girl was between 9 and 12 years old, according to The Tennessean. He was originally arrested on one count of rape of a child and the three additional counts were added earlier this year.
Willis' family released the following statement to The Tennessean:
"The Willis family would like to thank their family, friends and fans for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult year. Additionally, the Willis family would like to thank the many members of law enforcement for their detailed and comprehensive investigation of this matter. Finally, the family would like to thank the District Attorney's office for their diligence and sensitivity in the handling of this case. The family has remained fully cooperative throughout the investigation. Although the criminal case has concluded with Toby Willis receiving 40 years for the crimes he committed, the impact on the victims will remain much longer. The family is appreciative and grateful that people have respected their need for privacy during this trying time and asks for continued respect as they seek to move forward."
The Willis Clan reached the quarterfinals of America's Got Talent in 2014. Their album Chapter Two - Boots debuted on the Bluegrass Albums chart in May 2015 at No. 6 before peaking at No. 2 the following April. Heaven debuted on a number of charts in June 2015, peaking at No. 2 on Heatseekers Albums, No. 8 on Independent Albums and No. 157 on the Billboard 200 chart.
