A former MMA fighter has been convicted of child abuse charges in Mississippi after breaking the wrist of his preteen son with special needs.
The DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office announced that Ricquan Thomas, 42, was found guilty of felony child abuse following a trial that began Monday. Evidence presented at trial showed that on July 12, 2024, Thomas struck his 12-year-old son multiple times in the face, torso, arms, legs, and back with a closed fist and by kicking him at a home in Horn Lake.
The assault caused extensive bruising, swelling, and a broken wrist when the child fell during the attack. To make matters worse, Thomas is accused of having failed to seek medical treatment for his son afterward.
Law enforcement said that the victim’s mother, who was working out of state as a traveling nurse, contacted Child Protection Services after learning of the injuries. Authorities immediately removed the child from the father’s care until his unidentified mother could return to Mississippi. The next day, she ensured he received treatment at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in nearby Memphis.
“Our children deserve protection, care, and love — not violence,” District Attorney Matthew Barton stated. “Thanks to the victim’s bravery, law enforcement, and the jury’s careful deliberation, justice has been served, and a dangerous man has been removed from our community. Let this verdict serve as a reminder — if you abuse children, we will prosecute you.”
At the time of the assault, Thomas had 10 children, none of whom lived with him. The victim, who has multiple special needs, was visiting his father for part of the summer after years of estrangement. Since the offense, Thomas has fathered an 11th child.
Following the verdict, Thomas was taken into custody and will be sentenced at a later date. The felony child abuse conviction carries a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of life behind bars. The jury cleared the perpetrator of a separate, lesser charge of child abuse stemming from an additional allegation that he kicked the child.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rosharwin Williams and investigated by the Horn Lake Police Department with assistance from Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center in Southaven and Child Protection Services.
