A Jackson County man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual battery and one count of kidnapping.

Thomas R. Williams, 26, entered the plea Monday in circuit court.

Circuit Judge Kathy King Jackson sentenced Williams to 30 years on each count, with five years to be served on post-release supervision. The sentences are to run concurrently.

“After consulting with the victim, I believe the 25-year day-for-day sentence is appropriate due to the severity of the assault,” said District Attorney Tony Lawrence.

Williams was also ordered to pay $3,000 to the state victim’s crime fund.

Prosecutors said that on Dec. 13, 2005, Williams forced his way into an Azalea Park apartment occupied by a 22-year-old woman. He then forced her to commit a sexual act before tying her up and taking her to the abandoned Brentstone Apartments. There he raped the victim.

“(Williams) had a long history of drug abuse. Unfortunately, this is another example of the effect drugs are having on our community,” Lawrence said.