St. Paul Inspector Charged in Kidnapping, Assault Case

James Allen Thomas, a 73-year-old St. Paul Fire Department inspector, has been charged with kidnapping, attempted second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and solicitation of a child after allegedly abducting a 13-year-old girl on May 21. The girl, who missed her school bus and was seeking help in the rain, accepted a ride from Thomas, who was in uniform and appeared to be a security officer. Instead of taking her to school, Thomas reportedly drove her to his apartment, attempted to sexually assault her, and offered her money for sexual acts, which she refused. The girl persuaded Thomas to drive her to school by mentioning her iPad's location tracking and reported the incident immediately upon arrival. Thomas was identified through surveillance footage, cell phone data, and a police lineup, and he admitted to giving her a ride but denied any assault. He is currently out on bail and awaiting further court proceedings.