Va. man who spanked women he helped pleads guilty

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – A Virginia restaurant owner accused of spanking three young women he was helping financially has pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual battery.

Media outlets say Henry Allen Fitzsimmons was sentenced to two years in prison after he entered his plea Wednesday in a Virginia Beach court.

Authorities say the 54-year-old Fitzsimmons agreed to provide an allowance and college tuition to the women under a so-called scholarship program. As part of the plan, the women agreed to be spanked if they violated certain rules, such as failing to call Fitzsimmons or drinking alcohol.

Fitzsimmons also pleaded guilty to perjury involving a liquor license application for his restaurant.