Phillip Thomas, the man accused of stalking and plotting to kidnap WWE Superstar Sonya Deville (real name Daria Berenato) in August of 2020, struck a plea deal that is expected to have him in prison for 15 years, with another 15 years of probation, according to FOX News and various media sources.
Thomas drove from his home in South Carolina all the way to Deville’s home, just outside of the the Tampa Bay area, with the plan of kidnapping her. He took with him a knife, zip ties, duct tape and Mace.
Per Fox 13 Tampa, according to the sheriff’s office, Thomas had parked his car at the nearby Idlewild Baptist Church earlier that night and walked to Deville’s home and had cut a hole in the patio screen and waited for three to four hours, as he watched and listened through the window. Thomas then opened the sliding door, activating the security system. Deville and her guest at the time, former NXT Superstar Mandy Rose escaped and called 911.
According to the same report from Fox 13 Tampa, Deville said the following in court – “I saw a man standing there…”He had black clothing on, and a black mask and he was just standing there staring at me. I looked up I saw him. I was terrified! I started screaming I don’t even know what I said what the “f” are you doing here? What do you want?”
A video was also shown in court that showed Deville watching Thomas and then running away before Thomas is seen on the video walking inside her home.
FOX News also notes that prior to the attempted kidnapping, Thomas sent hundreds of threatening messages to Deville, with some of them reading “YOURE GONNA GIVE ME WHAT I WANT” and “Mark my words I’m going to summer slam with you as your boyfriend. I’m gonna force you to do what I want.” Deville said she ignored the messages.
Thomas pled guilty to charges that included attempted kidnapping, aggravated stalking and armed burglary.
Deville was sent to WWE Monday Night Raw, from WWE Friday Night SmackDown as part of the company’s 2023 Draft that took place last Friday and this past Monday on both Raw and SmackDown.