A photographer has been charged with a yearslong spree of sexual assaults on three teenaged men who were hoping to break into the modeling industry in Los Angeles.
William Thomas Jr., 49, allegedly assaulted the three aspiring models, all between the ages of 18 and 20, after he “represented himself as a modeling industry expert” and served as their representation within the industry, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a news release.
The Los Angeles Police Department added in a release that Thomas “claimed he could build their modeling careers forced them to submit to sexual assault under duress.”
“Thomas threatened to ruin victims’ careers if they objected to his advances,” police added.
Thomas faces six counts on three charges:
- Three counts of oral copulation
- Two counts of sodomy by use of force
- One count of attempted sodomy of an unconscious or asleep victim
“It also is alleged that multiple victims were particularly vulnerable, and that the manner in which Thomas carried out the offenses indicates planning, sophistication, and professionalism,” prosecutors said.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Thomas’ first victim, 18, was assaulted between 2017 and 2020, and his next victim, who was 19 or 20 at the time, beginning in 2020 and through 2023.
The third victim, 19, was assaulted between 2022 and 2023, prosecutors added.
“The courage these young survivors have shown in coming forward after enduring this unimaginable trauma and suffering cannot be overstated, and we stand with them in their pursuit of justice and healing,” Gascón said in the release. “The alleged actions of Mr. William Thomas Jr. are reprehensible. Exploiting a position of authority to prey on vulnerable teenagers is an egregious abuse of power that our society cannot and will not tolerate.”
Thomas’ arraignment is set for July 22, and he is being held at Men’s Central Jail in lieu of $1.525 million bail.
If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison.
Police believe there could be more victims, particularly since the “jobs and monetary opportunities he never delivered” to his alleged victims are no longer being used as leverage against these young men.
“Once he made them reliant upon him, the abuse began. Now that he is no longer able to harm these victims, hopefully more will be able to tell their story,” Detective Brent Hopkins said.
Anyone with information about additional victims or witnesses is asked to call police at 213-473-0447.
To report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.