Suspended Somerset County DA gets up to 7 years on indecent assault, strangulation charges
SOMERSET, Pa. (KDKA) -- The former Somerset County district attorney was sentenced to up to 7 years in prison after he was convicted of indecent assault and strangulation.
Jeffrey Thomas was sentenced to 27 to 84 months on Thursday. He'll also have to register as a tier one sex offender for 15 years.
"We think the sentence was a little on the high side. We were hoping for home confinement," said Ryan M. Tutera, Thomas' defense attorney.
Earlier this year, a jury found Jeffrey Thomas guilty of indecent assault, strangulation, simple assault, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment and criminal trespass. He was accused of assaulting a woman inside a home in Windber Borough in September of 2021.
Thomas' father and wife told the court Thomas was a good man and husband and they needed him home. When he addressed the court, Thomas said his life was ruined and maintained his innocence.
"What we witnessed in the courtroom -- and I think this led to the sentence -- was really a bone-chilling lack of remorse from the defendant," said Deputy Attorney General Patrick Schulte.
"Jeff Thomas was elected to protect the people of Somerset County. Who knew the people of Somerset County were going to be the ones needing protection from him."
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General said its investigation found Thomas entered the victim's home and refused to leave before he assaulted her. According to prosecutors, trial testimony indicated Thomas had contacted her for months, sending inappropriate and unwanted messages and images.
The victim testified Thomas' position as district attorney was intimidating and prevented her from immediately reporting the unwanted contact, the attorney general's office said.
"Jeffrey Thomas was chosen by the voters to protect the citizens of Somerset County," Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a press release. "Instead, he violated his oath and duty, causing serious harm to his victim and those close to her. This sentence is a reminder that no one is above the law, and my office will hold violent offenders accountable, no matter their position or profession."
Thomas was elected in 2019 but was suspended after the charges were filed.
He faces a separate criminal case over domestic abuse allegations in Cambria County.
