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Christiansburg mother gets two life sentences for making child porn, sexually assaulting her 2-year-old son

Kayla Thomas was found guilty of the crimes earlier this year

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. – The mother of a New River Valley 2-year-old will spend the rest of her life in prison for sexual crimes committed against her son.

On Thursday morning, a judge handed down two life sentences for sexual crimes that Kayla Thomas committed against her 2-year-old son Steven Meek.

“She was supposed to protect that baby,” Thomas’ mother Melinda Chrisley said.

The details of the case are disturbing in nature and it was an emotional morning in the courtroom.

Thomas was found guilty in June of four felonies including forcible sodomy and object penetration, as well as producing and distributing child pornography.

“It’s very hard to deal with, still to this day, just trying to figure out how something like that could happen,” Thomas’ stepfather CJ Chrisley said.

Thomas’s then-boyfriend McKenize Hellman was found guilty of second-degree murder as well as other sexual abuse charges earlier this year. In August, he was sentenced to two life sentences plus an additional 90 years.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Montgomery County said Hellman and Thomas have had contact since they have both been incarcerated.

“To speak him and to actually want to communicate it’s... it’s horrible,” CJ Chrisley said.

During Thursday’s sentencing, unlike Hellman, Thomas apologized for the crimes she committed.

“I am deeply, deeply remorseful for what happened. I’d do anything to have my baby boy back. I’d give anything to do over and do right by my son,” said Thomas.

Several family members of the boy took the stand this morning talking about the impact of his death.

“I really hope that we can get justice for my son,” Steven Meek Sr. said.

But still, the family of Steven Meek says the damage can never be undone.


10 News has covered this case extensively. Read more from our coverage:


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About the Author
Annie Schroeder headshot

Annie Schroeder joined the 10 News team as a reporter in June 2020 and is no stranger to Southwest Virginia.