Wayne County Deputy Accused of Sexually Abusing Relative for 6 Years

WAYNE COUNTY, MI — A sergeant with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office accused of sexually abusing a relative under the age of 13 for six years was arrested Wednesday on multiple felony charges, and he has been suspended without pay, authorities said Thursday.

Thomas Arthur Pedersen, 48, was ordered held on $250,000 cash bond during his video arraignment before Woodhaven 33rd District Court Judge Michael McNally. He is charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under the age of 13, and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, according to a news release from the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

Pedersen was suspended without pay and his security clearance to any sheriff’s office facility has been revoked, according to a statement released by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office Thursday. He joined the sheriff’s office in September 1995 and was promoted to sergeant in 2012, according to the statement.

To avoid any potential conflict of interest, the sheriff’s office said Pedersen is being held at the jail in Oakland County rather than Wayne County.

“Pedersen may be subject to future disciplinary action predicated on the outcome of his trial and a review of the investigation conducted by the Brownstown Police Department,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim and her family.”

Authorities allege that from 2010 to November 2016, Pedersen “engaged in an ongoing pattern of inappropriate sexual conduct with a relative” in Brownstown Township, where police are investigating. More details are expected at Pedersen’s preliminary exam, scheduled for 2 p.m. Dec. 5. His probable cause hearing will be held at 1:30 p.m.

McNally put several conditions in place if Pedersen makes bond, including no-contact orders for the complainant, any minors or any witnesses from the prosecution. Additionally conditions of bond include a requirement that he wear a GPS tether and that he stay to miles form the victim at all times.

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