Celebrity Justice
Lynyrd Skynyrd Drummer Not a Free Bird

Lynyrd Skynrd drummer Thomas Delmer Pyle was arrested Monday by the St. John's County, Fla. Sheriff's Department for failing to properly register as a sex offender. What's your name, little girl??
Artimus Pyle
The former drummer for the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, Thomas Delmer Pyle, aka Artimus Pyle, 59, of Asheville, North Carolina, was booked Monday after he came to the sheriff's office to speak with detectives about a 1993 conviction. Pyle pleaded guilty in 1993 to charges of attempted capital sexual battery by an adult on a victim under the age of 12, and principal to lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 16 years old. He was sentenced to eight years probation and ordered to register as a sex offender.

TMZ obtained charging documents in which Pyle explains the reason for not registering his address is that he "travels a lot."

For now, his sweet home will be behind bars. His bail is currently set at $10,000

UPDATE: Pyle posted bail on Tuesday evening.



Reader Comments

(Page 4 of 4) Previous 15 Comments

46. He has those Helter Skelter eyes. He looks like a corrupt man, a pervert.

Posted at 3:10PM on Nov 22nd 2007 by John in San Diego

47. Having met Artimus several times I find it very hard to believe that this is true and I have always liked and respected Artie. For all of you that are casting stones how about you give the guy a fair chance? He's a decent man and I for one love him both as a musician and as a person and another thing to all of you that are casting stones and siting in judgement I have only one thing to ask of you Who do you think you are to sit and judge this kind and decent man?????????????? As for his ex-wife I have only one thing to say to her you are probably one of the most evil people to say things like that and to lie about Artie.

Posted at 6:01PM on Nov 22nd 2007 by Stephanie

48. I need to correct some bad info on here.

1. Artimus pled No Contest.
2. Artimus was never shot by Motes, Motes fired over his head.
3. Artimus was the 3rd drummer after Bob Burns and Rickey Medlocke.

As far as his guilt...I don't know. I've known Artimus to make some really bizzare comments, but In my heart I don't believe he was guilty, not of this. He ran out of money to defend himself. The Ex sold everything of value while he was detained and left him broke. He had no choice but to pled "No Contest". I ask you, would a child who was molested by someone stay in contact with the perpetrator?

Posted at 7:42PM on Nov 22nd 2007 by Brickyard Road

49. #41-Judge Not

NEVER, EVER would an INNOCENT PERSON ever confess to a crime of this nature, if they DID NOT DO IT...NO ONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND, would cop to such a hideous crime no IF THEY DIDN'T DO IT!!!!!

Posted at 8:55PM on Nov 22nd 2007 by Lisa-Centereach

50. ex wife was the issue and the media really destroys families.......sad....

Posted at 9:41AM on Nov 29th 2007 by thebuyer

51. We can never know what realy happend. Some one say that there was special events that led to his guilty pleed. But ignoreing police warnings is just plain stupid of him.

Posted at 9:36AM on Nov 30th 2007 by Mzkisza

52. Question for James--#6&7 dated 11/21 @12:10... I've been a long time huge fan of Skynyrd-& Artimus is undoubtedly very gifted - I hate to hear this again, and still hate to think that he is outright evil. Can you shed some light..is there some mistake? I mean really, you cannot touch someone inappropriately on "accident".

Posted at 8:33PM on Nov 29th 2007 by samantha

53. To Whom It May Concern:
I am Craig Williams, Artimus Thomas Pyle’s attorney, and am speaking on his behalf. I have represented Mr. Pyle since 1993 in reference to the initial matter that led to the registration necessity. Mr. Pyle has consistently maintained his innocence in this matter, and I as his attorney share that belief. At the time the plea was entered, it was done as a matter of convenience, and there were a number of factors involved, not the least of which was to avoid having Mr. Pyle’s minor children subjected to court proceedings were the case to proceed to trial, and further subjecting his family to embarrassment. Mr. Pyle made a gut-wrenching decision at the time that he felt was in his best interest and the interests of his family, entered a plea of convenience, and successfully completed the conditions of probation attached to the plea.
Since Mr. Pyle’s initial offense, the law in the State of Florida changed to require reporting in these types of cases. Mr. Pyle felt he was in compliance with the requirement and had no criminal intent and is presently attempting to comply with the requisite statute. We are hopeful for a speedy resolution of this matter. Apparently, there have been some exaggerated and erroneous reportings of the initial offense and accusations. These are matters that we will address at a later date in an appropriate venue. As for the matter that caused this unfortunate event in his children’s lives, he continues to pray and hope for resolution.
Mr. Pyle appreciates the numerous e-mails, letters, phone calls, and good wishes he has received from family, friends, and fans. He extends to everyone his wishes for peace, love, and respect, and asks for your continued prayers and positive thoughts as he and his family deal with this matter.
Craig J Williams, P.A.
211 N Liberty St # 1
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 353-3631

Posted at 10:22AM on Dec 13th 2007 by Craig Williams on behalf od Artimus Pyle

54. Attorneys are PAID to believe their clients are innocent. And though it may have been "convenient " for him to PLEAD GUILTY, there are TWO girls who were ready to testify and tell the TRUTH. Because of his convenient plea deal, they will never have that chance. The only thing he spared was his own butt in jail for the 25-50 years that he deserved. His actions recently only prove that he still believes that the rules do no apply to him.

Posted at 3:59PM on Dec 21st 2007 by GP

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