SENTENCE REDUCTION APPEAL

A former Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy, convicted for sex crimes involving a minor, is asking for a reduced sentence. Walter Thomas Jr. was convicted in August 2016 of three counts of unlawful activity with a 16-year-old and was sentenced to 30-years in prison. State Attorney Bill Eddins said his office opposes any sentence reduction, and feels the sentence imposed is appropriate. Two others were convicted in the case while another deputy, Mark Smith, was acquitted.