Wayne County Cop Charged With Multiple Counts Of Criminal Sexual Conduct Against A Child

DETROIT (WWJ) - A sergeant at the Wayne County Sheriff's department is facing sexual assault charges involving a child who was a relative.

Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged 48-year old Thomas Pederson of Brownstown Township with three counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13 years of age and one count of second degree criminal sexual conduct.

"I'm just stunned, I'm usually not speechless, but I'm totally speechless," Paul Gyorke who has lived a door down from the deputy for the last six years told Channel 7 news. "Been a great neighbor, he's helped me take out trees out of my backyard, if anybody needs anything he's always the first one to come over."

Pedersen has been with Wayne County since 1995.

He's expected to be arraigned on Thursday in 33rd District Court before Judge Michael K. McNally in Woodhaven.