Wayne County Deputy accused of molestation charged, suspended, held in Oakland County jail
DETROIT (WJBK) - The Wayne County Deputy who is accused of sexually molesting a young girl has been suspended without pay and is being held in the Oakland Jail until his next appearance in court.
Thomas Pedersen has been charged with four counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a child under the age of 13.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff, Pedersen told police officers he needed mental help for issues involving a child. On Monday, a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon said the 48-year-old was an employee of the sheriff's office for 21 years before he turned himself in on the charges earlier this week.
Napoleon said Pederson is being held in the Oakland County Jail to avoid a 'conflict of interest'.
Pedersen began working at the department in Sept., 1995. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2012.
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