Norwich Man Sheldon Thomson Gets 10 Years for Child Porn Possession

Norwich Man Sheldon Thomson Gets 10 Years for Child Porn Possession

A 36-year-old Norwich man has been slapped with a 10-year prison sentence for possessing child sex abuse images and videos. Sheldon Thomson, who now identifies as female, was handed down the sentence by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford.

Thomson was convicted in state court in 2007 of sexual assault in the first degree, involving sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 13, and of risk of injury to a child. She was released from prison in November 2015 and began serving a term of probation. However, her troubles didn’t end there.

In May 2022, Thomson’s state probation officer seized multiple cellphones, a tablet, and a storage card from Thomson, her vehicle, and her residence. Analysis of the seized devices revealed more than 100 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including prepubescent children.

On October 31, 2023, Thomson pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. The penalties in this matter were enhanced based on Thomson’s prior convictions for sexual assault in the first degree and risk of injury to a minor.

Thomson is being sentenced tomorrow in state court for violating her probation. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the State of Connecticut Office of Adult Probation, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.

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. If you or someone you know is a victim of child exploitation, you can report it by visiting www.cybertipline.com.

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative is a nationwide effort to reduce the production and distribution of child pornography and to identify and prosecute those who commit these crimes. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/psc.