Rape Attempt Of 17-Year-Old Earns Man Life Sentence

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — A man was sentenced to life in prison Monday by a Douglas County Jury on one count of aggravated sodomy of a 17 -year-old girl and one count of aggravated assault with the intent to rape, according to the district attorney's office.

Phillip Aber White was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Cynthia Adams following a multi week jury trial. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Bonnie Smith.

On the evening of April 5, 2016, the White was at his family home when his school aged sister had one of her friends spend the night. In the middle of the night White, who was 28 years old at the time, entered the room where his sister’s friend was sleeping and forcibly assaulted her both sexually and physically. The victim suffered numerous injuries during the attack. Following the sexual assault, the White went back to his room and went to bed.

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The next morning the victim immediately made an outcry to her mother over a telephone call and authorities were alerted and responded to the scene. DNA evidence and photographs of the victim’s injuries were collected which corroborated the victim at trial. Additionally, the jury heard evidence of a previous sexual assault White committed while he was in college for which he received Pre-Trial Diversion in Fulton County.

At sentencing, White pled for mercy from Judge Adams, but also refused to take responsibility for his actions and claimed he was innocent and the assault never occurred. Judge Adams noted the physical injuries and DNA supported the victim, but also talked about the emotional scars the victim has had to bear since this occurred. Following argument at sentencing, Judge Adams agreed with the state and imposed a life sentence.

Smith called it a just sentence and praised the victim, calling her “A brave young woman who had to the strength and resolve to confront a grown man who sexually assaulted her when she was only 17 years old in front of a room full of strangers to ensure he be held accountable for what he did.”

White was represented by Attorney Lorraine Silvo.

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