Former public defender sentenced in child sexual assault case

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - On Thursday, an El Paso County District Court Judge sentenced Thomas Cushing to ten years to life in the Department of Corrections, followed by twenty years to life on parole.

Cushing previously served as a Colorado State Public Defender. A jury found him guilty of Sex Assault on a Child-Pattern of Abuse in March, a Class Three Felony.

“This case centered on the minor victim and the lasting impact these events have had on their life,” said District Attorney Michael J. Allen.

The prosecution effort began after the victim’s father was alerted and reported information to Colorado Springs Police Department.

Cushing will be required to register as a sex offender.