A man from Park Forest, Illinois, has been sentenced to 48 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography. Tercalo E. Thomas, 35, enticed and used a prepubescent minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct, which he recorded. Authorities stated that Thomas then exchanged the images as barter to collect more material depicting the abuse of other children.
When arrested in April 2022, Thomas was found with over 1,500 images of child sexual abuse on his cell phone. U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger handed down the sentence on January 22, 2026, at a hearing in Chicago.
The sentencing was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI's Chicago Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly Moheb said in the government’s sentencing memorandum: “Defendant was an avid collector of child exploitation images, particularly of prepubescent children. Unsatisfied by his depraved collection, he created his own. The seriousness of this offense cannot be overstated.”
Individuals who believe they are victims of sexual exploitation are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children through their website at www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678.
