Neshoba County Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Jackson, Miss. – Garrett Dean Thomas, 23, a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge David Bramlette III to 21 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for sexual abuse of a minor within the Pearl River Community of the Choctaw Indian reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin.

On August 10, 2016, the victim visited Choctaw Health Center complaining of abdominal pain and morning sickness. It was discovered she was pregnant. A case manager informed social services due to the age of the suspected father, Thomas, who was 20 years old at the time. Thomas admitted to his sexual abuse of the minor, who was 14 years old. A paternity test confirmed Thomas is the father of the child.

Twelve months of today’s sentence will be served consecutively to a 24-month sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate on September 9, 2019. The defendant was convicted of the same offense in that case, but a different victim was involved.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Police Department investigated both cases. They were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Purdie and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Payne.