Herman Thomas Case Is Over

The dispute over the verdict in the Herman Thomas sex abuse trial is over.

Three jurors, who contacted District Attorney John Tyson one day after the verdict was announced, have now backed out of plans for a post-trial challenge.

One of the jurors told News Five he voted not guilty to just two charges, not the seven that were announced in court. Another juror said on the attempted sodomy charge there were eleven guilty votes and just one not guilty vote, and jurors were hopelessly deadlocked on the remaining charges. Special Judge Claud Neilson acquitted Thomas of the attempted sodomy charge along with 13 others after jurors failed to reach a unanimous decision.

Tyson was expected to file a motion Wednesday challenging the verdict, but late Wednesday afternoon he announced the three disgruntled jurors no longer wanted to be involved in the case.

"It is now, I think, time for this community to try to heal and try to move on with business," said Tyson, who said the jurors were not interested in the public attention that has followed this case.

Thomas, a former Mobile County circuit court judge, was acquitted on 21 counts of sexually abusing and assaulting inmates in exchange for leniency in his courtroom.

Thomas' attorney, Jeff Deen, said he is glad this case is over.

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