Pascagoula Police Officer Arrested, Terminated Following Child Abuse Charges

Pascagoula, MS (BuzzReport) — A Pascagoula police officer has been arrested and terminated from his position following a child abuse investigation that authorities say stems from an incident earlier this month in the Grand Bay area.

According to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, Thomas Landon Horn, 38, was taken into custody on Friday, April 24, 2026, and charged with child abuse. Officials confirmed the alleged incident occurred in Mobile County, prompting an investigation that ultimately led to his arrest.

Horn had been employed as an officer with the Pascagoula Police Department at the time of the allegations.

In a statement released by the Pascagoula Police Department, officials acknowledged they were first notified of the situation on April 20, 2026, involving one of their officers, though they did not publicly identify Horn by name.

Department leadership said an internal investigation was immediately launched, and the officer was placed on administrative leave as the allegations were reviewed.

“After learning about these allegations, an internal investigation was opened, and the officer was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome,” the department stated.

Authorities said the department was later notified on April 24 that the officer had been formally arrested by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. Following that development, Pascagoula Police confirmed the officer’s employment was terminated.

Police Chief Scott addressed the situation, expressing concern over the allegations and their impact on the department.

“I am so proud of our men and women in this department, and hearing this breaks my heart,” Chief Scott said in a statement.

No additional details about the alleged abuse have been released at this time. The investigation remains ongoing.