A former Jacksonville Jaguars employee, Samuel Thompson, was sentenced to 220 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse material and hacking the team’s stadium jumbotron. Thompson was hired as a contractor in 2013 to consult on the design and installation of the video board network and later to operate the jumbotron on gamedays. However, the team discovered in 2018 that he was a registered sex offender with a prior conviction, prompting them not to renew his contract. Despite this, Thompson installed remote access software on a spare server, allowing him to access and manipulate the jumbotron during three games in the following season.
After the Jaguars removed the spare server’s access to the jumbotron and collected network information, the FBI traced the activity to Thompson’s home. A search warrant executed in July 2019 resulted in the seizure of Thompson’s devices, which contained thousands of images and hundreds of videos of child sexual abuse. The files included recent material that depicted children under his care and custody. Thompson was also found to be in possession of a firearm, which he was prohibited from owning as a convicted felon. He was convicted of various charges related to the production, reception, and possession of child sex abuse material, as well as violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act and sending unauthorized commands to a protected computer.
In a separate incident, another former Jaguars employee was sentenced to six years in jail for embezzling over $20 million from the team through the company’s credit card program. The stolen funds were used to support a lavish lifestyle that included online gambling, private jet charters, the purchase of a private condominium, sports memorabilia, cars, spa treatments, and other personal expenses. These incidents have raised concerns about the team’s hiring practices and internal security measures.
The sentencing of Thompson and the embezzlement case highlight the serious consequences of employee misconduct and the potential risks associated with inadequate background checks and oversight in professional sports organizations. The Jaguars’ response to these incidents, including terminating contracts and cooperating with law enforcement investigations, demonstrates a commitment to addressing wrongdoing within the organization and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. The collaboration between the team, law enforcement, and federal agencies in identifying and prosecuting criminal behavior underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability in maintaining a secure and ethical workplace environment.
