A former officer at the Pasco Juvenile Detention Center has been arrested for allegedly raping a minor victim after she was released from the facility. Police reports indicate that Thomas Wayne Black established a relationship with the victim while she was detained there between August and September 2026. Following her release on September 14, Black picked up the runaway victim from a restaurant in St. Pete despite knowing she had removed her court-issued ankle monitor. He then transported her to his home in Wesley Chapel where he allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the minor. Black arrived at work five hours late the following day and avoided discussing the allegations when questioned by authorities. He has been charged with two counts of sexual battery or rape involving a victim between ages 12 and 17, plus one count of interference with custody. The suspect is currently being held without bond at Pasco County Jail pending further legal proceedings.
Key Points:
- Thomas Wayne Black was an officer at the Pasco Juvenile Detention Center when he formed a relationship with the victim during her detention from Aug. 24 to Sept. 14, 2026.
- After being released on Sept. 14, the victim contacted Black who picked her up from a restaurant in St. Pete knowing she was a runaway and had removed her ankle monitor.
- Black drove the victim to his home in Wesley Chapel where authorities say he engaged in oral and vaginal sexual acts with the minor.
- The suspect arrived at work five hours late the next day and avoided discussing the allegations when questioned by officials.
