OHIO: SEX OFFENDER MOVED EASILY IN SPORTS GROUPS

Dayton Daily News

Timothy J. Thomas, 49, was well respected and he was active in the community and with the OhioHigh School Athletic Association and the Dayton Amateur Baseball Commission according to hisattorney Dennis Gump. For years he had easy access to children as a coach and referee in sportsprograms in the Trotwood area. Thomas in many ways was a solid citizen. He was married for morethan 25 years to Janet, he is the father of three children and has a $20 an hour job at GeneralMotors' Delphi plant on Dryden Road. But the other side of Thomas that not many knew about was in1986, he was convicted of sexual imposition for fondling an 11 year old football play. He wasordered to stop coaching and to get treatment, but the measures had little lasting effect. In 1997,he was a baseball umpire when he was convicted of attempting to assault a 10 year old Little Leagueplayer. He served 30 days in jail and steps were taken to curtail his involvement with youthsports. Last Wednesday as Trotwood police officers were trying to question him about a sexualassault on a 14 year old boy Thomas aimed a handgun at the four officers and was shot outside hishome. He remained in serious condition Tuesday at Good Samaritan Hospital and Health Center. Policewill meet with prosecutors next week to discuss charges.

(Ohio)