What started out as a simple status hearing in Bradley County Criminal Court Tuesday resulted in a former Cleveland police officer entering a plea of guilty to seven felonies.

Fourteen-year Cleveland police officer Nathan Thomas, 39, pleaded guilty to two counts of prescription fraud, possession of Schedule II narcotic (oxycodone) for resale, possession of Schedule III narcotic (hydrocodone) for resale, forgery and two counts of aggravated statutory rape, according to 10th Judicial Assistant District Attorney General Cindy Schemel.

Thomas was sentenced to a total of six years in a Tennessee Department of Corrections prison. The former officer will be eligible for release after serving 30 percent of his sentence.

Thomas was first arrested Jan. 5, 2009, on charges he was selling prescription painkillers and anti-anxiety medications after a two-year investigation carried out by the 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force. Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation conducted a search warrant at Thomas’ home and reportedly found several narcotic pain medications, steroids, anti-anxiety medication and handguns.

10th Judicial Drug Task Force Director Mike Hall said the investigation into Thomas’ alleged illegal activities was difficult because it was “against a fellow officer.”

In February 2009, the former officer was indicted by the Bradley County Grand Jury on statutory rape charges. He was alleged to be sexually involved with a 14-year-old girl and a 17-year-old girl.

Thomas is now a twice convicted sex offender. He will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

“I really want to commend the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Task Force in their investigations in these cases. They did a great job. We’re glad for the victims who are finally able to put this to rest,” said Schemel.

“Lt. Don Williams and Sgt. Toby Norris worked very hard on this case. They put in hundreds of man hours following up on leads and conducting the investigation. I would like to thank the DA’s Office for their hard work as well. This case was difficult because it was against a fellow officer who had fallen into the trap of prescription drug addiction. Like Mr. Thomas, there are millions of people in all classes of society who get hooked on these powerful drugs. I am very proud of the men and woman in this District who work hard and put their lives on the line everyday for all citizens under their care,” said Hall.

Thomas is currently being held at the Bradley County jail. He will be moved to a TDOC facility as soon as possible.