Eight life sentences in child indecency case

GILMER — Following a two-day trial and a guilty verdict, an Upshur County jury has returned a maximum punishment of eight life sentences against 37-year-old Thomas Alan Auld for eight counts of indecency with a child. Each sentence carries a $10,000 fine. The victim was a 10-year-old female relative. Officials say the charge is normally a second degree felony but Auld has already served time for burglary and stealing food stamps. The District Attorney’s Office filed a notice to enhance punishment because of the prior offenses.