Planned Parenthood CEO arrested for public park sex crime

A Planned Parenthood CEO has been arrested in Lubbock, Texas after being charged with indecent exposure. Tony Ray Thornton, President and CEO of the Lubbock affiliate, was arrested and released on bail Tuesday.

LUBBOCK, TX (Catholic Online) - Thornton, 56, was charged with indecent exposure after accusations that he exposed himself at a public park. He was arrested at the park in the vicinity of the baseball fields, around 3:30 PM.

Thornton has not returned to work following the incident and he has not spoken to reporters or issued any statements. The national headquarters of Planned Parenthood has not issued any statements.

According to Texas Penal Code, indecent exposure involves the display of one's "genitals with the intent to arouse the sexual desire of another person."

Thornton has worked for Planned Parenthood for several years, and has been a vocal proponent of anti-life issues. He has also spoken out against pregnancy, saying that, "Without this program women will not have access to birth control [drugs and abortifacients]. They will get pregnant."

There is no word on whether Thornton will continue his employment with Planned Parenthood.

UPDATE: An announcement from Planned Parenthood board chair, Mariah Sharpe states that Thornton is on leave and will not return to duty as head of the organization.

The police report lists a 43 year-old male victim. Police have not commented if there were children in the vicinity.

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