The Shocking Charges Against Donald Ray Thomas: 5 Key Facts About The Putnam County Arrest

In a case that has sent shockwaves across the First Coast region of Florida, the name Donald Ray Thomas has become synonymous with deeply disturbing allegations. As of late December 2025, news reports confirm the arrest of a 66-year-old man from Pomona Park, Florida, under this name, facing multiple felony counts related to sexual misconduct involving children.

The severity of the charges—including lewd and lascivious battery and exhibition of sexual organs—places this case at the forefront of local legal updates. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date breakdown of the individual, the specific charges, and the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office (PCSO).

The Complete Profile of Donald Ray Thomas (Putnam County Case)

Due to the commonality of the name "Donald Ray Thomas" in public records, it is crucial to establish the profile of the individual central to this specific, recent criminal case from Putnam County, Florida. This section details the confirmed facts about the man currently in custody.

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• Full Name: Donald Ray Thomas
• Age: 66 years old (at the time of the arrest)
• Residence: Pomona Park, Florida
• Arresting Agency: Putnam County Sheriff's Office (PCSO)
• Primary Charges: Two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery on a child under 12
• Additional Charges: Four counts of Exhibition of Sexual Organs
• Custody Status: Held without bail (No Bond)
• Alleged Victims: Unlawful sexual contact with two children under the age of 12

The arrest followed an investigation into allegations of unlawful sexual contact. The seriousness of the charges reflects the state of Florida’s firm stance against crimes involving minors, which often results in stringent bond conditions, or in this case, a complete denial of bail.

Unpacking the Serious Charges: Lewd and Lascivious Battery

The specific legal terminology used in the charges against Donald Ray Thomas—Lewd and Lascivious Battery—is a key indicator of the gravity of the alleged offenses. This is not a minor infraction; it is a first-degree felony under Florida Statute 800.04.5b.

Lewd and Lascivious Battery is defined as the unlawful touching, fondling, or handling of an individual under the age of 16, or causing such an individual to touch, fondle, or handle the offender, in a lewd or lascivious manner. In the case of Thomas, the charges are compounded by the age of the alleged victims, who were both under 12 years old.

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The four additional counts of Exhibition of Sexual Organs pertain to the alleged act of exposing himself to children, further demonstrating a pattern of inappropriate and criminal behavior. These charges are often filed concurrently in cases of child molestation, painting a comprehensive picture of the alleged predatory actions.

The legal process for these types of offenses is extensive and complex. If convicted, a defendant faces mandatory minimum sentences, registration as a Sex Offender for life, and severe restrictions on future employment and residency. The community of Pomona Park and the wider Putnam County area are following the case closely, highlighting the public safety concerns associated with these allegations.

The Ongoing Investigation and Search for Additional Victims

The situation remains fluid, as the Putnam County Sheriff's Office continues its active investigation into Donald Ray Thomas. A significant element of the current law enforcement effort is the public appeal to identify and locate any potential additional victims.

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Law enforcement officials often take this measure when the alleged actions suggest a pattern that may involve more than the initial reported incidents. By releasing the details of the arrest, the PCSO hopes to encourage individuals or families who may have had contact with Thomas and suspect similar misconduct to come forward.

The process of identifying and interviewing potential victims is sensitive and requires specialized training from the investigating deputies. The focus is on gathering crucial evidence, which will be presented to the State Attorney’s Office for formal prosecution. The cooperation between the police and the community is vital in ensuring that all facets of the alleged crimes are uncovered.

The no-bail status for Thomas indicates that the court views him as a significant flight risk or a danger to the community, reinforcing the seriousness with which the judicial system is handling the matter. The case is proceeding through the Duval County (First Coast) court system, which handles major felony cases in the region.

Topical Authority: Differentiating the Public Records

A deep dive into public records reveals a challenging reality for researchers and the public: the name Donald Ray Thomas is highly prevalent across the United States, often associated with multiple, distinct legal and personal records. To maintain topical authority and factual accuracy, it is essential to distinguish the Putnam County suspect from other individuals sharing the same name.

For instance, separate public records detail:

• Multiple Obituaries: Several recent obituaries for men named Donald Ray Thomas or Donnie Ray Thomas have appeared in late 2025, including a 62-year-old from Waterford, Mississippi, and a 70-year-old who passed away in November 2025. Other records show a Donald Ray Thomas born in Gadsden, Alabama, in 1950. These are clearly different individuals.

• Other Criminal Records: The name is also linked to other, unrelated criminal offenses, such as a charge for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)—Felony in Alabama, and an older 1998 case (STATE v. THOMAS) involving sexual misconduct in a different jurisdiction. Another record lists a Donnie Ray Thomas as a Tier Level 1 sex offender in Missouri for Sexual Misconduct - 1st Degree.

This distinction is paramount. The current, active investigation is focused solely on the 66-year-old Pomona Park resident arrested for the specific charges of Lewd and Lascivious Battery and Exhibition of Sexual Organs in Putnam County, Florida. Relying on specific details like age, location, and the date of the arrest allows for clear identification and reporting.

The complexity of these common names underscores the importance of official court and police documentation in verifying the identity of individuals involved in high-profile legal matters. The focus remains on the judicial proceedings and the pursuit of justice for the alleged victims in Florida.

The Legal Road Ahead for Thomas and the Community

The arrest of Donald Ray Thomas marks the beginning of a long legal journey. The next steps will involve formal arraignment, where Thomas will enter a plea, followed by pretrial hearings and the discovery phase, where both the prosecution and defense gather evidence. Given the nature of the charges, the case is expected to draw significant media attention and could take many months to resolve.

For the community in Putnam County and Pomona Park, the arrest provides a measure of relief, but the underlying trauma remains. Law enforcement and community support services will continue to work to protect potential victims and provide resources for those affected by these allegations.

The outcome of this case will not only determine the future of Donald Ray Thomas but will also reinforce the judicial system's commitment to safeguarding children. Updates on the court proceedings, including trial dates and any further arrests, will be monitored closely as the investigation continues to unfold.