Hamilton, GA –  On Friday, May 6, 2016, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested former Harris County Sheriff's Office Deputy Thomas Carl Pierson, age 38, on one count of sexual assault, one count of sexual battery, one count of aggravated sodomy, one count of false imprisonment and four counts for violation of oath of public officer. All charges are felonies.

The felony charges stem from an incident occurring Sunday, February 14, 2016, when Pierson was accused of sexual misconduct by a female during a traffic stop.  On the day of the incident, the sheriff's office learned of the allegation against the former deputy.  Harris County Sheriff Mike Jolley contacted the GBI on Monday, February 15th to investigate the matter.  Pierson was terminated prior to any criminal charges being brought against him.  He had been employed at the sheriff's office for approximately sixteen months.

During the course of the investigation, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office conducted an audit of Pierson’s traffic stops that involved females. The sheriff’s office requested any female to report if anything unusual had occurred during their traffic stop with Pierson. As a result, additional females came forward with claims of misconduct by Pierson and were subsequently interviewed by GBI agents.

Pierson surrendered himself to GBI agents at the Harris County jail without incident.  Once the investigation is completed, it will be turned over to the district attorney for judicial review.

Contact: Assistant Special Agent in Charge - Chris DeMarco | 706-565-7888