Former Cal Fire SLO captain sentenced to 90 days in jail

June 6, 2024

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

A judge sentenced a former San Luis Obispo County fire captain to 90 days in prison on Wednesday for sexual assault.

James Peter Thomas, 59, groped a 37-year-old colleague in 2020.

In May 2023, Thomas pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of sexual battery, which requires him to register as a sex offender for 10 years. Then, in September, Thomas told the court he was unaware of the requirement for a sex offender registry when he entered a no contest plea.

At the time, Judge Michael Frye ruled in favor of Thomas and set a trial date. However, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office later submitted a motion to reconsider the decision, and subsequently, the decision was reversed.

Last month, Frye sided with the prosecution, which argued that Thomas was informed of the requirement for a sex offender registry and that the defendant did not have a valid reason to withdraw his plea.

On Wednesday, Thomas again tried to withdraw his no-contest plea. Frye again ruled against Thomas and subsequently sentenced him to 90 days in prison.

Thomas must register as a sex offender for 10 years. Additionally, the former fire captain is prohibited from contacting the victim for at least 10 years.

He is expected to begin his prison sentence by August 13.