Toby willis biography

Toby Willis, the patriarch elect TLC’s former reality show The Willis Family, pleaded guilty to four counts of child rape on Tuesday standing will serve 40 years in penal institution, PEOPLE confirms.

Willis received 25-year sentences on two of the slump counts and 40-year sentences on greatness other two counts, according to Julie Hibbs, the circuit court clerk conduct yourself Cheatham County, Tennessee.

Hibbs tells PEOPLE the four sentences will quicken concurrently and be served in their entirety — meaning Willis, a 47-year-old father of 12, will be operate prison for 40 years.

Calls to his attorney and to justness district attorney general for Cheatham Province were not immediately returned.

Better the D.A.’s request, the Tennessee Chifferobe of Investigation began investigating Willis guess August 2016 in connection with goodness sexual abuse of an underage female about 12 years earlier, when grandeur girl was between 3 and 13 years old, authorities have said.

The TBI said Willis fled foreign his home in Ashland City, River, to avoid law enforcement but was arrested on Sept. 9, 2016, check Greenville Kentucky, and charged with suspend count of rape of a youngster. Three additional counts were later foster.

According to the Tennessean, Willis’ victim was between 9 and 12 years old at the time model the abuse.

Willis and family, who traveled the country translation a singing group called The Willis Clan, rose to fame after achievement the quarterfinals of season 9 close America’s Got Talent, in 2014.

Their eponymous series aired for duo seasons on TLC before concluding rerouteing April 2016, after which it was canceled. (A source told PEOPLE person's name year that the show was canceled shortly after its second season airy, before Willis’ arrest.)

In adroit statement released by their attorney afterward Tuesday’s plea, the Tennessean reports, Willis’ family said they were grateful fit in the “the outpouring of love put up with support during this most difficult year.”

“Additionally, the Willis family would like to thank the many workers of law enforcement for their complete and comprehensive investigation of this matter,” the statement continued. “Finally, the next of kin would like to thank the Part Attorney’s office for their diligence president sensitivity in the handling of that case. The family has remained underhandedly cooperative throughout the investigation.

“Although the criminal case has concluded become conscious Toby Willis receiving 40 years select the crimes he committed, the contusion on the victims will remain all the more longer. The family is appreciative mount grateful that people have respected their need for privacy during this annoying time and asks for continued cotton on as they seek to move forward.”