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 August 21, 2014
for sentencing. She could receive up to three years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000
