Former deputy on trial says dash cam video is 'disgusting and unprofessional'

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - The state has rested its case Monday in the trial of a former Harris County Sheriff's Deputy.

Thomas Pierson is accused of taking sexual advantage of a woman he stopped for a traffic violation.

Two other alleged victims testified in court last week.

Monday, Pierson was the last person to testify in the trial.

Pierson was overcome with emotions while detailing what he says happened.

"I'm very ashamed at my behavior, I should've just been more professional, and kept things appropriate. I let them down, not only Sheriff Jolly, but the people I work with, they expected me to perform my job to a certain level, and I absolutely failed them," said Pierson through tears.

Pierson says all interactions were consensual, during Valentine's Day traffic stop, he says that stop was anything but normal.

"These nonverbal signals that she was showing me, the rubbing, and the way she was looking at me, even after I the warning, the flirting intensified, on both sides, the flirting intensified, I felt like this woman is not just trying to get out of a traffic ticket, she's really attracted to me," said Pierson.

The prosecution spent the day pointing out discrepancies in a timeline of events as told by Pierson versus dash cam video evidence.

Pierson faces a dozen charges including sodomy, sexual battery, and violation of oath by a public officer.

The trial is set to resume Tuesday morning at 9.

Both sides have rested their case. Closing arguments are set to begin.

Follow News Leader 9's Sharifa Jackson on Twitter for the latest trial updates.

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