Alleged spa rapist gets probation
FROM STAFF REPORTS Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

Ho

A man accused of at least two counts of sexual battery will receive probation.

Officials with the State Attorney's Office recently announced that all three pending criminal cases against Tanh Van "Victor" Ho were resolved following consultation with the victims in each case.

"It was a plea bargain," said State Attorney William "Bill" Eddins. "We did consult with the victims before we made an agreement."

Ho was charged with two counts of sexual battery and one count of felony battery. Officials with the attorney's office said Ho entered a plea of no contest Aug. 3 to the charge of felony battery in one of the cases. In a second case, a deferred prosecution agreement was entered and a third case was dismissed.

As a result of his plea, Santa Rosa County Circuit Judge Thomas R. Santurri sentenced Ho to serve five years probation. Judge Santurri additionally imposed 274 days of incarceration in the Santa Rosa County jail with credit for time served since the date of his arrest on Nov. 2. The terms of Ho's probation will be supervised by State Probation and will include the requirement for psychological evaluation and counseling as required.

Ho was ordered to have no contact with any of the victims.

Ho allegedly lured his victims into a confined area and was accused of forcing himself on female patrons of Nail Spa Company located at 3088 Gulf Breeze Parkway.