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In a perplexing twist reminiscent of a dark and twisted plotline straight from a crime novel, Somerset County's very own former District Attorney, Jeffrey L Thomas, is now the main character in a real-life crime drama.

In a shocking turn of events announced by the state attorney general's office, Thomas has been sentenced to serve up to seven years behind bars.

Jeffrey L Thomas Gets Prison : Crime in the Digital Age

In what can be likened to a modern-day snake lurking in the digital garden, Thomas, 37 at the time, leveraged the social media platform SnapChat to make contact.

The subsequent heinous attack took place in a Windber, Pennsylvania home, owned by a seemingly unsuspecting acquaintance.

A jury, visibly astounded by the series of events, found Thomas guilty on a staggering six counts related to the attack.

A Gross Violation of Trust

Attorney General Michelle Henry, in her statement, expressed the sentiments of betrayal felt by many, "Jeffrey Thomas had the sacred task of safeguarding the citizens of Somerset County.

Instead, he trampled upon his oath, leaving a trail of pain for his victim and her loved ones. His sentence is a stark reminder: no crown, title, or profession grants immunity from justice."

Jeffrey L Thomas Gets Prison : The Legal Aftermath

Hopes of procuring a statement from Thomas's legal representative were dashed as they remained elusive.

The gamut of charges against Thomas is nothing short of alarming – indecent assault, strangulation, simple assault, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, and criminal trespass.

The sentence isn't the end of the road for him either. Beyond the prison walls, he'll be marked for life, having to register as a sex offender.

A Once Promising Career, Now Tarnished

Flashback to 2019: Somerset County buzzed with the news of Thomas's election as district attorney, defeating the then-incumbent Lisa Lazzari-Strasiser.

But in a burst of irony, the very license that empowered him was suspended following his arrest, casting a dark shadow on his once shining career.