Man charged with sexual assault after posing as model agent

Police have arrested a 49-year-old Hollywood man who allegedly posed as an agent and sexually assaulted six young men who wanted to work in the modeling industry. Authorities believe there are more victims and are asking them to contact Los Angeles Police Department investigators.

The suspect, identified as William Isaac Thomas, was arrested at his residence at an undisclosed location in Hollywood on June 25. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on June 28 that Thomas is charged with three counts of oral sex, two counts of sodomy by force and one count of attempted sodomy on an unconscious or sleeping victim.

“The courage these young survivors have shown in coming forward after experiencing unimaginable trauma and suffering cannot be overstated, and we stand with them in their quest for justice and healing,” Gascón said. “The alleged actions of Mr. William Thomas are reprehensible. Using a position of power to prey on vulnerable teenagers is an egregious abuse of power that our society cannot and will not tolerate. We are committed to holding the perpetrator accountable for his actions and ensuring justice is served.”

“He preyed on young men by promising them jobs and financial opportunities that he never delivered,” said Detective Brent Hopkins, a supervisor with the LAPD’s Operations West Bureau’s Special Assault Section. “When he made them dependent on him, the abuse began. Now that he can no longer harm these victims, hopefully more people will be able to tell their stories.”

The victims were between the ages of 17 and 21 when the alleged sexual abuse occurred between 2017 and 2023. Hopkins said Thomas posed as a modeling agent and photographer and told the victims he could promote their modeling careers. He then forced them to submit to sex under duress and threatened to ruin the victims’ careers if they objected, Hopkins added.

Thomas is being held on $1.5 million bail pending a July 22 trial. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

Police have released a photo of the accused and are asking anyone who believes they may be a victim or has information to call investigators at (213)473-0447. On weekends and after hours, call the LAPD tip line at (877)LAPD247.