CAMDEN — Former state Rep. James Thomas has posted $15,000 bail and was released Wednesday afternoon from the Wilcox County Jail after being charged with first-degree sexual abuse.

Thomas was arrested by Wilcox County Sheriff’s deputies Wednesday morning and booked into the jail by mid-day. Thomas is principal at Wilcox Central High School in Camden.

Fourth Judicial District Attorney Michael Jackson said Thomas’ charge stems from a complaint by a student at the high school.

“A 17-year-old student at the high school alleged he molested her. The incident just happened over at the high school this week,” Jackson said. “There’s a possibility some other students will come forward this week.”

Interim school superintendent Rosa Ashmond said Thomas was placed on administrative leave immediately. Thomas is a tenured employee, which under state law means he will continue to receive pay while on administrative leave.

Ashmond said she did not know of the allegations against Thomas until the high school’s secretary called her Wednesday morning to tell her authorities had arrested the principal.

“The student’s family went directly to the sheriff,” Ashmond said.

The interim superintendent said the school system would conduct an internal investigation as the sheriff’s office conducts one. Both are working closely on the matter.

“We assume the student’s report is valid,” she said. “The accused has not been found guilty, so we will investigate closely.”

Counselors were not at the high school Wednesday because of a conference out of town, but they will be notified and others brought in from other schools, if necessary, to counsel students at the high school because of the charges against the principal, Ashmond said.

“We want all students to feel safe,” she said.

Ashmond said she is shocked at the charges, but really had nothing other to say about her reaction to Thomas’ arrest.

In addition to working as principal of the 669-student high school, Thomas had served nearly 28 years as a member of the state House of Representatives from District 69, which includes Autauga, Dallas, Lowndes and Wilcox counties. He had served on the Ways and Means committee and the Banking and Insurance Committee of the house.

During his tenure in the Legislature, Thomas served as treasurer, vice president and president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.

In the June 2001 and May 2002 editions of Ebony magazine, Thomas was named on of the most “100 Influential Black Americans.”

He was defeated earlier this year in his bid for re-election.

Thomas is a native of Lowndes County. He is married and has a daughter.