Man Charged with Additional Sex Crimes against Children at In-Home Daycare
Mason Police District – Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau arrested Elwood Lewis Thomas, 35, of the Alexandria section of Fairfax County. He is charged with the sexual abuse of several juveniles at a former in-home daycare in Annandale. Happy Land Daycare was located in the 6400 block of Holyoke Drive and operated from approximately 1999 to 2012. Thomas was employed by the daycare prior to 2012 and lived in the home during that time.
Detectives initially received information that Thomas had unlawful sexual contact with children at the daycare in June 2012. An investigation ensued and he was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual battery later that year. Thomas plead guilty and served one year in jail.
In July 2019, Detectives learned that three juveniles disclosed they had been sexually assaulted by Thomas between 2006 and 2010 while attending the daycare. Detectives conducted interviews and examined the available evidence resulting in Thomas being charged with five counts of rape, one count of abduction with the intent to defile and two counts of aggravated sexual battery. Following an interview with detectives, Thomas will be taken to the Adult Detention Center where he will be held without bond.
Victim specialists from our Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure that the identified victims are receiving appropriate resources and assistance.
Detectives are seeking anyone who has information or may have had inappropriate contact with Thomas to call our Major Crimes Bureau detectives at 703-246-7800. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and by web – Click HERE. Download our Mobile tip411 App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 dollars if their information leads to an arrest.
For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.
(Original release 9/25/19)
MEDIA ALERT: Man Charged with Sex Crimes against Children at In-Home Daycare
Mason Police District – A 35-year-old man is facing eight felony charges after juvenile victims recently disclosed they had been sexually assaulted at a former in-home daycare. Captain Thea Pirnat, Commander of the Major Crimes Division, will update the community on the investigation.
WHERE:
Public Safety Headquarters
12099 Government Center Parkway
Press Room: 2nd Floor
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
WHEN:
Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 2:30 p.m.
PARKING:
Please DO NOT park in the fire lanes. Parking is available in two garages. Please take note of the vehicle height clearances so you don’t damage your vehicles. Satellite trucks may park on the shoulders as you approach the round-a-bout. When you enter the round-about in front of our building, veer right and you will see a garage on your left and a garage on your right.
There are a few first-come-first-serve spots as soon as you enter the garage on the right. There are additional visitor spots in the garage on the left. There will be officers outside to help guide you.
Fairfax County Police Department News 