Fmr. Onslow deputy pleads guilty in federal child porn case

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A former deputy with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office pleaded guilty in a Wilmington federal courtroom.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Jon James Thomas, 45, pleaded before Judge James C. Fox to receipt of child pornography. On October 15, 2015, Thomas was indicted by a federal grand jury while still a deputy. The plea happened yesterday afternoon, and sentencing is scheduled during the March 28 term of court.

Thomas admitted to authorities he downloaded child porn for about two years when he was charged. Thomas faces between five and 20 years behind bars, along with a fine up to $250,000.