News Releases

William Thomas Jr. is charged with allegedly sexually assaulting teenagers as they were pursuing modeling careers under his guidance 

LOS ANGELES, CA - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that William Thomas Jr., a photographer who represented himself as a modeling industry expert, is charged with sexually assaulting three teenagers as each were pursuing modeling careers in Los Angeles between 2017-2023.

“The courage these young survivors have shown in coming forward after enduring this unimaginable trauma and suffering cannot be overstated, and we stand with them in their pursuit of justice and healing,” District Attorney Gascón said. “The alleged actions of Mr. William Thomas Jr. are reprehensible. Exploiting a position of authority to prey on vulnerable teenagers is an egregious abuse of power that our society cannot and will not tolerate. We are committed to holding the offender accountable for their actions and ensuring that justice is served.”

William Isaac Thomas Jr. (dob 12/15/74) is charged in case 24CJCF02920 with three counts of oral copulation; two counts of sodomy by use of force; and one count of attempted sodomy of an unconscious or asleep victim.

It also is alleged that multiple victims were particularly vulnerable, and that the manner in which Thomas carried out the offenses indicates planning, sophistication, and professionalism.

Thomas is expected to be arraigned on July 22 in Dept. 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.                          

It is alleged that beginning in 2017 through 2020, Thomas sexually assaulted the first victim, age 18 at the time, as the victim was pursuing a modeling career. In 2020, Thomas allegedly established a working relationship with a second victim, age 19-20 at the time, who was also pursuing a modeling career. Thomas sexually assaulted the second victim until 2023. In 2022, Thomas allegedly began working with a third victim, age 19 at the time, and proceeded to sexually assault him until 2023.

Each victim was being represented by Thomas as they pursued their modeling careers.

Thomas is being held on $1,525,000 bail. If convicted as charged, Thomas faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison.

The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.