A Leake County woman has admitted to arson charges related to a fire at a tribal member’s home. Lashandell F. Thomas, 25, pleaded guilty on June 12, 2025, to setting fire to a residence in the Pearl River Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
Court documents reveal that Thomas attempted to burn down the home in September 2021 by igniting a fire inside. She was indicted in January 2022.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi. The case was investigated by the Choctaw Police Department.
Thomas is due for sentencing on October 10, 2025, and could face up to life imprisonment. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district judge who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other statutory factors.
The prosecution team included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin J. Payne and Brian K. Burns.
