Norwich Man Charged With Child Pornography Possession: Feds

NORWICH, CT — A Norwich man was arrested last week on child pornography charges, according to a statement from prosecutors. Sheldon Thompson, 34, appeared in court in New Haven and was detained.

Thomson was convicted in state court in 2007 of first-degree sexual assault involving sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 13 and of risk of injury to a child. He was released from prison in November 2015 and began serving probation.

In May, Thomson’s state probation officer seized multiple cell phones, a tablet, and a storage card from Thomson, his vehicle, and his home. Analysis of the seized devices revealed numerous images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including prepubescent children, according to prosecutors.

If convicted, Thomson faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years and a maximum term of 20 years. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Thomson’s prior conviction.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.