In contrast to several falsehoods spreading on social media, Thomas was detained on suspicion of child exploitation rather than narcotics offenses.
The arrest report states that Thomas spoke with a fifteen-year-old girl he met on an internet chat service via computer.
It is said that Thomas invited her to meet him in person for sexual activities and sent her pictures and texts that were sexually explicit. In addition, he offered her drugs and cash in return for having sex.
Thomas had no idea that the girl he was speaking with was an undercover cop doing an internet sting operation for the BSO’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.
Thomas was apprehended by additional BSO officers at a hotel in Fort Lauderdale, where the investigator had set up a rendezvous. He had cash, a firearm, condoms, and lubricant on him when they were discovered.
At a news conference on Tuesday, Sheriff Gregory Tony announced his arrest and voiced his displeasure and rage at Thomas’ behavior.
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He said that Thomas had broken the community’s confidence and compromised his oath of duty.
In addition, he said that he would hold his subordinates fully responsible for any wrongdoing or illegal activity and that he would not put up with it.
