Guilty Plea In Sex Abuse Case

A Boyle County woman pleaded guilty Thursday to reduced charges in a sex abuse case in which she was accused of sexually and physically abusing her three adopted children.

Patricia Harris, 54, pleaded guilty to second-degree sodomy and first-degree sexual abuse will spend 15 years in prison if the judge in the case accepts the plea deal.

Harris was originally charged with first-degree sodomy in the case. Police say Harris abused three sisters, ages 5, 6, and 8, whom Harris adopted in April after they were placed in her home by the state for foster care.

With the plea, Harris also agreed to register as a sex offender.