By Sgt. Jack Nash
OCSO PIO
Detective Ashley Rojas initiated a criminal investigation against Thomas Elton McClain Jr following a tip received on Sept. 11, 2023. Sufficient evidence was found during the investigation to obtain a search warrant for his residence and belongings.
Detectives responded to Thomas' residence (Country Hill's Estates) on Nov. 13, 2023, where they found him driving his vehicle without a valid license. Thomas was arrested for driving while his license was suspended with knowledge. Following the arrest, detectives conducted a probable cause search warrant on his residence.
During the search of the residence, detectives discovered a loaded firearm magazine. They obtained a new search warrant for Thomas, who was living alone and had a felony record.
On Nov. 13, 2023, Thomas was charged with 1 count of operating a motor vehicle while his driver's license was suspended or revoked and 1 count of convicted felon possession of ammunition under Florida state statutes 322.34(2)(c) and 790.23, respectively.
On Jan. 23, 2024, after reviewing forensic searches of the electronic devices from the residence, it was learned that Thomas had been searching for child pornography and bestiality (pornography involving animals) numerous times.
Thomas was charged with the following: Six counts of Florida State Statute 827.071 Possession of Child Pornography, three counts of Florida Statute 828.126 Sexual activities involving animals, and four counts of Florida State Statute 847.0137 Transmission of Child Pornography.
