Gibson County Sheriff indicted on 18 charges
Gibson County Sheriff indicted on 18 charges
By Logan Watson
Gibson County Sheriff Paul Thomas is facing 18 felony charges of Official Misconduct, according to indictments from the Gibson County Grand Jury.
Under Tennessee law, Official Misconduct applies to public officials who refuse or fail to carry out their duties or misuse their authority for private gain.
According to the indictments, between the dates of May 1, 2022, and October 31, 2022, Sheriff Thomas and Alliance Group, LLC, which is or was owned in part by Thomas, profited from the labor of six inmates: Anthony Bolding, Ronald Cravens, Jonathan Forrest, Mark Smith, William Vestal and Jeffrey Wyke.
Thomas is also charged with failing to see that all six inmates were properly guarded in order to prevent escape.
Thomas was indicted on May 6. He met with the staff of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office Monday morning to inform employees of the charges.
The indictments stem from a 2022 FBI investigation involving Sheriff Thomas, the Gibson County Correctional Complex, the Orchard House transitional home, and Alliance Staffing. Federal agents executed search warrants at Thomas’ home in Milan, as well as the three other locations on September 1, 2022, seizing financial records and cell phones.
Opened in 2019, the Orchard House is a 100-bed, faith based transitional home located in Milan that allows male inmates or newly-released inmates a fresh start with a place to live and a full-time job. Residents of the Orchard House are employed through Alliance Staffing Group, a temporary job placement agency.
The Orchard House is an approved Tennessee Department of Corrections transitional house. It is a 12-18-month program that consists of daily classes spaced out through the week on spiritual growth, work ethics and job training, community outreach and service hours. Food, shelter, transportation and assistance with supportive services and education and career goals are provided.
After the Orchard House opened, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee toured the facility and touted it as a model for the entire state.
The matter is being prosecuted by Stacey B. Edmonson, District Attorney General of the 21st Judicial District. Edmonson was appointed in May 2023 after the former District Attorney General Kim. R. Helper passed away unexpectedly. District Attorney General Frederick Agee recused himself and his office due to conflict of interest.
This is a developing story. More updates will be provided as they are made available.
After reading the article on the Sheriff’s arrest, I am in agreement that he should afforded the presumption of innocence. I also believe the editor’s and county attorney statements proclaiming his innocence are premature. The prudent thing is to let a jury of his peers determine his guilt or innocence.
It is concerning the statement made by the county attorney contained several misrepresentations in hopes of swaying public opinion. For instance he stated the Governor approved of the program, that is true. I don’t believe the Governor would approve of the the things the Sheriff is accused of by the state and federal government. And if the Sheriff did seek counsel from the County Attorney before he began the program and he is found guilty of the items he is accused of. Maybe the Sheriff was in error seeking his advice.
I think he was trying to do a good thing for the inmates
I think they should have been guarded. His only mistake. Even if he got paid. He may have went about it the wrong way. But I’m sure it helped some of the inmates. A lot of times when they get out of jail they have nothing to look forward to.
It was a scam, I was there during that time.Every day was hell to work can’t leave can’t have your owe money. They sold cigarettes illegally. Food illegally charged everyone every day for gas . Charged not to call P.O’s. hundreds. Hundreds for not making beds . I need a lawyer
No
If it was a good thing than everyone should have been treat accordingly. Many was dissatisfied with the treatment and been charged right or wrong . If one miss up the start has rules and law . If will held by them , who’s above the law . Pay me
I currently reside at the orchard house in Milan tn. It has saved my life so God will handle any wrong doing if there is any
I am a Orchard house resident at current. And I am employed through alliance staffing. And work at TBIN in Jackson. While this place had given me a second chance I am perturbed by some of the guys who work here in the place, their attitude they present towards me threatening to kick me out for questioning why out of $3000 that I have earned ytd for the last 3 weeks I was told that I have no monet in my savings however upon further pressing the matter I have learned I have $600 in my savings however when you do the math all I’ve earned at 17.00 an hour and 25.50 an hour at time and a half and I work 48 to 60 hours a week and have been employed four four weeks now all I have earned for myself is $600? Ok I understand rent is $266 a week transportation to and from work is 108 a week which is outrageous then $10 a week for ties. Out of 3000 dollars why have they earned 1400 and me 600? Just saying! But all and all I am greatful to God for this opportunity.
I was in the orchard house from june 13 2023 to juse 2024 and it saved me i love everyone that works there