Prokop pleads guilty to indecent liberties

Before the jury had a chance to deliberate, former New Hanover County K-9 officer Thomas Prokop pleaded guilty Thursday to taking indecent liberties with a four-year-old girl.

Prosecutors say the 32-year-old Prokop broke down in court before the fourth witness took the stand.

The judge asked Prokop after his plea if he was guilty, and Prokop said, “Yes.”

Prosecutor Connie Jordan said more often than not, child molesters will admit their guilt, especially if the odds are stacked against them. “The defendant finally told us what he did. At least partially what he did. We know his version of what he did, and that was from a guilty conscience,” said Jordan. “This case is really a classic sexual assault case, it is what happens to our children everyday.”

A judge sentenced Prokop to 24 months in prison. He will also have to register as a sex offender for the next 30 years.