JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. – The man accused of sexually assaulting two women and killing Jamie Schmidt inside a Catholic Supply store in November has been charged in a sexual assault in Jefferson County two months earlier.
Monday afternoon, the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced Thomas J. Bruce, 53, was charged with burglary, kidnapping, sexual abuse, harassment and assault.
Jefferson County police said the assault involved a 77-year-old woman who had no prior connection to Bruce.
According to court documents, Bruce arrived at the woman’s door between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2018. He told her he was with AMVETS and wants to ask a few questions. He then forced open the door, which knocked her to the floor. He went into the home and sexually assaulted her. While dragging her to a spare bedroom, the house phone rang.
She informed Bruce that her husband was calling to say he was on his way home. Bruce then stated he would kill him when he got home. Bruce then put her in the bedroom and left with her cell phone. Her elbows and knees were injured.
On Nov. 21, 2018, while watching the news, the woman saw Bruce’s mug shot and identified him as the man who assaulted her.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for a tracking device attached to Bruce’s vehicle. They learned that the vehicle that was registered to Bruce was at the victim’s residence between the 4:17 pm and 4:32 pm on Sept. 27, 2018.
Bruce is currently being held at the St. Louis County Jail on a no bond charge.