Ex-deputy found guilty on 8 of 12 charges in sex assault trial

HARRIS COUNTY, GA (WTVM) - The jury has reached a verdict in the sexual misconduct trial of a former Harris County Sheriff's deputy.

After seven hours of deliberating over two days, the jury found 38-year-old Thomas Pierson not guilty of serious sexual sodomy charges and stalking, but guilty on several other charges.

The charges in which Pierson was found guilty all related to breaking rules of law enforcement.

"Officers are held to a higher standard. So, we expect, we demand it, and we deserve it. So, if you violate your oath in any way, or act out of what your policy says in the law, then you will be held accountable," said jury foreperson.

Pierson was accused of forcing a woman to perform oral sex during a traffic stop and stalking by two others.

Attorneys on both sides agree this verdict is an example that being an officer does not put you, "above the law."

"They didn't believe the women, but they did believe that Mr. Pierson should have been held to a higher standard because he was a law enforcement officer," said Bernard Brody.

"Major step with regard to making sure that those people that we entrust in our government also follow the laws. I believe that happened in this case," said Assistant District Attorney, Bill Lisenby.

Pierson now awaits a final sentencing date and any chance of being an officer again. His family by his side every step of the way.

"We're going to pray about it, and hope for the best," said the wife of Pierson, Amy Pierson.

Pierson was immediately handcuffed and taken to Harris County jail.
A sentencing date has not been set.

Guilty:

• Two counts of sexual assault  on a person in custody
• False imprisonment
• Tampering with evidence
• Four counts of violation of oath by a public officer

Not guilty:

• Aggravated sodomy
• Sexual battery
• Two counts of stalking

Thomas Pierson faced 12 charges for being accused of sexual misconduct by a female during a traffic stop and stalking by two others.

Pierson's range of punishment is up to 25 years in prison. Multiple counts of his sentences could run concurrently.

A sentencing date has not been set yet.

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

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