By Paul Montgomery
The Union Leader
BRENTWOOD, N.H. — An Exeter man facing trial in October on child pornography charges was seriously injured Sunday when he was allegedly stabbed in the head with a pencil while incarcerated at the Rockingham County jail.
Thomas Rogers, 45, remained hospitalized Monday at Exeter Hospital following the incident that remains under investigation by the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department.
According to Major Al Brackett of the sheriff’s department, the injury was initially reported as a suicide attempt, but that hasn’t been determined.
The incident occurred Sunday afternoon. Authorities said Rogers was alone in his cell when he was injured.
Brackett said the cell was sealed off after the incident. Evidence was collected from the scene and is now being examined, he said.
The extent of his injuries wasn’t known Monday afternoon.
“His condition is serious, but it’s not clear exactly what his condition is,” Brackett said.
John Blomeke, assistant jail superintendent, also confirmed that the injury allegedly involved a pencil, but said he couldn’t comment further while the case is being investigated.
“It’s uncertain what the cause was or what exactly happened,” he said.
Rockingham County Attorney James Reams said he didn’t have many specifics on the incident, saying only that Rogers was brought to the hospital.
Brackett said Rogers’ injury was compounded by other medical issues, and that Rogers was going to be moved to another facility.
Rogers faces 27 felony charges related to child pornography after he was allegedly found with more than 247,000 pornographic images on his home computer. Authorities said the images were discovered in December by property managers who showed up at his apartment at 4 Meeting Place Drive for a routine inspection.
Rogers’ public defender, Julia Nye, was not available for comment Monday.
A hearing in the case is scheduled for Sept. 19 with the trial expected to begin Oct. 1 in Rockingham County Superior Court.
If convicted, Rogers could face 7½ to 15 years in state prison on each charge.
Copyright 2012 Union Leader Corp.
All Rights Reserved