Thompson Pleads to Theft, Receives Jail Time

Former Effingham County correctional officer Jason Thompson has been sentenced to 180 days in jail for taking county jail funds.

The 41-year-old Thompson pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of theft during a Monday morning hearing.  Thompson had originally been charged with felony theft and with official misconduct for allegedly taking funds while on duty at the jail from a period between 2010 and his arrest and suspension in September 2012. 

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said he agreed to a misdemeanor theft count because of Thompson's lack of criminal history and his acceptance of guilt for what he did.  Thompson also wrote an open letter admitting his guilt and pledging to make restitution as soon as possible.

In addition to the jail time, Thompson has agreed to restitution of more than $24,000 in funds.  Kibler said Thompson maintained the amount he took was far less than the amount determined by jail officials, but agreed to the amount of restitution as part of receiving the misdemeanor theft count.

Thompson was also placed on two years' probation and will perform 100 hours of public service work.

Due to the unique circumstances surrounding the case, Thompson's jail time will be served in Shelby County.  Kibler said Effingham County and Shelby County have a working arrangement in which they house each other's prisoners without charge so there will be no additional cost to Effingham County to house Thompson in Shelby County.

Thompson is to report to begin his jail time tonight.