Authorities in Los Angeles are seeking assistance from the public in locating witnesses and potential victims related to a case involving a Hollywood photographer who has been charged with sexually assaulting three young men aspiring to be models.
A 49-year-old man named William Isaac Thomas Jr. allegedly posed as an industry expert to young men and, once hired as their agent, reportedly coerced them into enduring sexual assault, as stated by the LAPD.
A series of serious charges were brought against Thomas by the district attorney’s office in May. These charges include sodomy and involve three young men who were between the ages of 18 and 20 at the time.
The LAPD announced on Friday that detectives have identified three more clients who were allegedly assaulted by Thomas. They also believe that he may be responsible for other unreported sexual assaults as reported by The Los Angeles Times.
Thomas was apprehended in a different state and subsequently transported to Los Angeles, where he was incarcerated on Wednesday, according to law enforcement officials.
The individual in question is currently in custody with a bail set at $1.5 million. Unfortunately, attempts to contact him for comment have been unsuccessful. The potential consequences of the charges are severe and could result in a life sentence.
An investigation into Thomas was initiated in March 2023 after an 18-year-old reported being a victim of sexual assault at the photographer’s residence, as stated in an LAPD press release. Police have uncovered new evidence indicating that Thomas may have assaulted several other young men aged 17 to 21.
These victims were allegedly threatened with career ruin if they dared to speak out, according to authorities.
According to the district attorney’s office, the reported assaults took place between 2017 and last year.
