Sheldon Thomson, Possession of Child Pornography, Connecticut 2026

Sheldon Thomson, a 34-year-old man from Norwich, Connecticut, has been charged with a federal crime that will send shivers down the spines of parents everywhere. According to a recent investigation, Thomson was arrested on a federal complaint charging him with possession of child pornography. This is not the first time Thomson has faced serious allegations. In 2007, he was convicted 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.

Thomson’s state probation officer seized multiple cellphones, a tablet, and a storage card from him in May 2022. Analysis of the seized devices revealed numerous images and video depicting the sexual abuse of children, including prepubescent children.

Thomson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven on the same day he was arrested and was ordered detained. If convicted of possession of child pornography, Thomson faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Thomson’s prior conviction.

U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of Connecticut’s Office of Adult Probation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. government’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.

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