WEST CAPE MAY – Frank “Sandy” Thomson, 68, a resident of Cape May City, was arrested for aggravated sexual contact, luring/enticing a child and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor and Captain Robert Sheehan, of the Cape May City Police Department, announced July 30 in a release. At the time of his arrest Thomson was an assistant scout master with a Boy Scout Troop in West Cape May.
On July 16, the Special Victims Unit of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office received a call from a concerned citizen who related suspicious activity regarding an 11-year-old male and Thomson. A joint investigation was started by the Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Cape May City Police relating to the suspicious activity. After several interviews it was learned that Thomson was allegedly “grooming” the young juvenile for sexual purposes by buying him expensive gifts. These interviews also led investigators to another juvenile male who was allegedly sexually assaulted by Thomson several years ago.
On July 27, Thomson was arrested and charged with one count of luring/enticing a child by various means, a crime of the second degree, and endangering the welfare of a child, also a crime of the second degree, concerning the 11-year old juvenile.
On July 28, Thomson was again charged with aggravated sexual contact, a crime of the third degree, and endangering the welfare of a child, a crime of the second degree, concerning the sexual assault which occurred several years ago.
Prosecutor Taylor advises that persons convicted of a second degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of 5 to 10 years and crimes of the third degree are subject to a term of imprisonment of 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Thomson is presently lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of $175,000 full cash bail assigned by Judge Dorothy Garrabrant.
Prosecutor Taylor relates that this is an ongoing investigation and urges any citizens who may have information concerning this investigation to contact the Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135.
Prosecutor Taylor further stated that his office will continue to work hand and hand with each municipality in the County to target sexual predators who prey on the children of Cape May County.
Prosecutor Taylor and Captain Sheehan recognize the efforts of the investigators which resulted in the successful arrest of Thomson.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
