Scott County deputy named Mississippi deputy of year

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook that Sgt. Investigator Josh Thames was named the Mississippi Sheriff’s Association Deputy of the Year “last night.” The post said the award recognizes his investigative work in a child homicide case.

The post credited Thames with a “relentless investigation” into the case of 4-year-old Zimer Finderson. According to the post, Thames discovered the child was missing and had not been reported absent, and two days later located Zimer’s body buried in a wooded area near the family home.

The Facebook post said Zimer’s father admitted to committing the murder and was prosecuted. The post said the father was sentenced to life and the child’s stepmother received a 20-year sentence.

The Mississippi Sheriff’s Association is a statewide organization that represents county sheriffs and recognizes outstanding law enforcement work, the post noted. “As Sheriff I am so proud of Josh and this honor,” the sheriff wrote in the Facebook message. Scott County is one of Mississippi’s 82 counties. We will provide more information as it becomes available.