On Friday, August 18, 2023, ABC NEWS reported that former district attorney Jeffrey Thomas of western Pennsylvania has been sentenced to up to seven years in prison for assaulting a woman in her own home. The trial concluded earlier this year with the jury finding Thomas guilty of several charges, including strangulation, criminal trespassing, simple assault, unlawful restraint, indecent assault, and false imprisonment. Notably, he was acquitted of sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault allegations.
The 37-year-old Republican, who served as the elected District Attorney for Somerset County, will also be required to register as a sex offender for 15 years, according to the state attorney general’s office. While Thomas’s defense attorney, Ryan M. Tutera, expressed disappointment with the sentence, he acknowledged that it could have been more severe had his client been convicted on all charges. Tutera emphasized Thomas’s steadfast claim of innocence regarding the accusations.
Thomas’s legal team intends to appeal the verdict, citing evidence that was allegedly excluded from the trial. Tutera stated, “We were hoping to see him come home. Had the jury heard everything about the case, I feel confident they would have come to a different conclusion.”
The charges stemmed from a September 2021 incident during which Thomas repeatedly contacted the woman over the course of several years, allegedly seeking a sexual relationship. Following a message from Thomas indicating his arrival at her residence, the woman explicitly instructed him to stay away. However, Thomas disregarded her request, leading to a physical altercation.
In an unrelated matter, Thomas also faces charges of simple assault, reckless endangerment, and harassment based on an incident captured on a video call in May 2021. State police alleged that Thomas was seen punching a woman while they were traveling in a vehicle. The outcome of this separate case is yet to be determined.
Jeffrey Thomas was elected as district attorney in 2019 but was suspended from his position after the sexual assault charges were filed against him.
This case has attracted significant attention, shedding light on the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions. The conviction and subsequent sentencing of a former district attorney serve as a reminder that no individual is above the law. The judicial process aims to provide justice for victims and maintain the integrity of the legal system.
As for Jeffrey Thomas, his legal battle continues with the forthcoming appeal. The outcome of the appeal will determine the future course of action, potentially impacting his prison sentence and his standing within the legal community.
Source: ABC NEWS
