Herman Thomas Trial Begins

A jury has been seated and trial is underway in the sexual abuse trial of former Mobile Circuit Court Judge Herman Thomas. Thomas is accused several felonies in fourteen cases involving young men between the ages of 18 and 24. The men are convicted felons. The charges against Thomas include sexual abuse, assault, kidnapping and extortion.

The jury is made up of eight men and eight women. It is unusual because the panel includes four alternates. None of the jurors know who is an alternate.

The trial began with an opening statement from Assistant District Attorney Nikki Patterson who told jurors they will hear testimony that will paint Thomas as a modern day Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde—a pillar of the community with a dark, deviant side. Defense Attorney Jeff Deen responded that the allegations against Thomas are being made by people who are manipulators, and will say anything that might benefit them in the criminal justice system.

Presiding Mobile Circuit Court Judge Charles Graddick was the first witness called in the trial. In cross examination, Defense Attorney Bob Clark grilled the judge about whether he and a legal assistant had searched former Judge Thomas’ office after he resigned. Graddick is expected to still be on the stand when the trial resumes Tuesday at 9AM.