Former teacher files paperwork intending to plead guilty to raping students

Rodricus Arlester Thomas

A former teacher at Nichols-Lawson Middle School in Sylacauga   has filed paperwork indicating that he intends to plead guilty to rape in the second degree and being a school employee engaging in a sex act with a student under the age of 19.  31 year old Rodricus Arlester Thomas, is scheduled to enter guilty pleas July 8 before Circuit Judge Julian King. He faces two to 20 years in prison each on two counts of rape and two counts of sex with a student.  Thomas taught seventh and eighth grade boys physical education, starting in 2008. He also coached football and basketball.  He was arrested on Dec. 29 and placed on paid administrative leave immediately. He tendered his resignation to the Sylacauga City Board of Education on Jan. 15.  Similar allegations involving a second victim came to light after he was arrested in the first case.  Although Thomas has notified the court of his intention to plead guilty to the charges, he may withdraw those proposed guilty pleas at any time and demand a jury trial.