Slater Man Accused of Raping Juvenile to Face Trial in October

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A jury trial is scheduled in mid-October for 32-year-old Thomas Lee Gibbs Jr., a Slater man accused of raping a juvenile over a decade ago. According to a probable cause statement, the victim told investigators at a Columbia children's emergency shelter in April 2024 that her mother would allow different men to abuse her in exchange for drugs. Gibbs was arrested in May and pleaded not guilty to the charge in July. He remains in the Saline County Jail on a $250,000, cash-only bond.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of child abuse and the importance of reporting suspected incidents to the proper authorities. It also raises questions about the justice system's ability to hold perpetrators accountable, especially in cases involving vulnerable victims and long delays in reporting.

The details

The victim recounted an incident that she says occurred between 2014 and 2016 at a Gilliam apartment where she, her younger brother, and mother had lived. The victim accused Gibbs of assaulting her while she was watching cartoons. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for mid-September before the trial begins the week of October 14.

• The victim reported the incident to investigators at a Columbia children's emergency shelter in April 2024.
• Gibbs was arrested in May 2026.
• Gibbs pleaded not guilty to the charge in July 2026.
• A pre-trial conference is scheduled for mid-September 2026.
• The trial is scheduled for the week of October 14, 2026.

What’s next

The judge will decide on Gibbs' bail status at the pre-trial conference in mid-September, and the trial is scheduled to begin the week of October 14.