Former Meridian Police Officer Sentenced to 15 Years for Lustful Touching of a Child

A former Meridian police officer has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of lustful touching of a child.

Authorities confirm that the individual, identified as Thomas, was not employed by the Meridian Police Department at the time of his arrest. He had also previously worked with the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Thomas was originally charged in May 2023 and was released on a $15,000 bond pending trial. The court has now handed down a 15-year sentence for the offense.

Law enforcement officials emphasized that Thomas was no longer affiliated with any department when the crime occurred.