Memphis, TN - Pamela Beard, a/k/a “Princess," 43, of Memphis, TN, pleaded guilty today in a one count information to providing information regarding the detention and arrest of individuals in order to assist her husband, John L. Thomas III, in his effort to avoid law enforcement, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III and Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham.
According to the facts of the information and details provided during her plea hearing, on or about March 8, 2013 while working as a Shelby County Deputy Jailer One, Beard was asked by Thomas to access law enforcement databases to determine if his co-conspirator Andre Adams, a/k/a Andre Wrister, had been detained by law enforcement officials. At that time, Thomas and Adams were actively involved in the possession and distribution of as much as 500 grams of heroin into the Memphis area on a bi-weekly basis.
“When members of law enforcement violate the laws they have sworn to uphold, it undermines the public’s trust in the rule of law," said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “Our office will continue to work at all levels to vigorously root out and pursue anyone who abuses their position of trust."
“The actions of Ms. Beard are indefensible by any standard and will not be tolerated by this office," said Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham. “I believe the public will look at this case as an example of one misguided individual and will in no way assume that her behavior is indicative of the responsible, hard-working professionals who make up the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office."
Beard is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson on Aug. 21, 2014 for sentencing. She could receive up to three years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel French is representing the government.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
