Parksley man charged with sex offenses with minor in Library incident

A Parksley man was taken into custody on March 7, 2025, following an alleged sex offense incident at the Eastern Shore Public Library, according to Sheriff W. Todd Wessells of the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to the library at approximately 3:03 p.m. after receiving a report of a sex offense. Upon arrival, they encountered an adult male who admitted he was there to meet a female juvenile with whom he had exchanged explicit photos.

The suspect, identified as Matthew Thomas, 20, of Parksley, was taken into custody at the scene. Thomas has been charged with using a computer to commit certain sex offenses with a minor, and authorities have indicated that additional charges may be pending.

Thomas was transported to the Accomack County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.

The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Parksley Police Department, continues to investigate the case.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or other crimes is urged to contact the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office at (757) 787-1131 or (757) 824-5666. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the Sheriff’s Office website at accomackcountysheriffsoffice.org.