Birmingham detectives arrest robbery and sexual assault suspect

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham police have arrested a suspect as part of an ongoing robbery and sexual assault investigation.

The suspect was identified as 36-year-old Christian Jerel Thomas of Birmingham.

Robbery investigators first began their investigation in February 2024. Police were investigating a report of a victim being robbed and sexually assaulted in West Birmingham. In April, Special Victims Unit investigators investigated three cases involving three victims who also reported being sexually assaulted and/or robbed in West Birmingham.

Police say that while investigating the four separate incidents, they identified Thomas as a suspect.

BPD provided information on the four cases to the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office, which approved the following charges against Thomas: one count of first-degree kidnapping, four counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of first-degree rape and six counts of first-degree sodomy.

Thomas was arrested on Tuesday, April 30th. He is being held without bail in the Jefferson County Jail.

Birmingham police and the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office believe there may be additional victims. You are asked to contact BPD SVU at 205-297-8413 or the District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Unit at 205-325-1423.

Authorities say you can also contact the One Place Family Justice Center at 205-453-7261.

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