Norwich Sex Offender Pleads Guilty In Child Pornography Case: Feds

NORWICH, CT — A Norwich woman and convicted sex offender pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography Tuesday at federal court in New Haven, according to prosecutors.

Sheldon Thomson, 35, who now identifies as female, was convicted in 2007 in state court of first-degree sexual assault involving sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 13, and risk of injury to a child, prosecutors said.

She was released from prison in November 2015 and began serving probation. In May 2022, Thomson's probation officer seized multiple cell phones, a tablet, and a storage card from Thomson, her vehicle, and her residence.

A law enforcement analysis of the seized devices revealed more than 100 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including prepubescent children, according to prosecutors.

Thomson is scheduled for sentencing Jan. 23 and faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years and a maximum prison term of 20 years. The penalties are enhanced in this case based on Thomson's prior convictions.