TCA 39-17-1003
Offense of sexual exploitation of a minor
What does this charge mean?
It is illegal to knowingly possess any image, picture, video, or material showing a minor engaged in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity that is extremely graphic. Sexual exploitation of a minor is a Class D felony punishable by 2-12 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Each separate image can result in a separate charge. This offense can be enhanced to a Class C or B felony based on factors like prior convictions or the nature of the material.
Penalty Details
(a) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly possess material that includes a minor engaged in: (A) Any picture, drawing, photograph, undeveloped film or film negative, motion picture film, videocassette tape or other pictorial representation. See Tennessee Code 39-17-1002Minor: means any person who has not reached eighteen (18) years of age. See Tennessee Code 39-17-1002Patently offensive: means that which goes substantially beyond customary limits of candor in describing or representing such matters. See Tennessee Code 39-17-1002Person: includes the singular and the plural and means and includes any individual, firm, partnership, copartnership, association, corporation, governmental subdivision or agency, or other organization or other legal entity, or any agent or servant thereof. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106Sexual activity: means any of the following acts: (A) Vaginal, anal or oral intercourse, whether done with another person or an animal. See Tennessee Code 39-17-1002State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.(1) Sexual activity; or (2) Simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive. (b) A person possessing material that violates subsection (a) may be charged in a separate count for each individual image, picture, drawing, photograph, motion picture film, videocassette tape, or other pictorial representation. Where the number of materials possessed is greater than fifty (50), the person may be charged in a single count to enhance the class of offense under subsection (d). (c) In a prosecution under this section, the trier of fact may consider the title, text, visual representation, internet history, physical development of the person depicted, expert medical testimony, expert computer forensic testimony, and any other relevant evidence, in determining whether a person knowingly possessed the material, or in determining whether the material or image otherwise represents or depicts that a participant is a minor. (d) A violation of this section is a Class D felony; however, if the number of individual images, materials, or combination of images and materials, that are possessed is more than fifty (50), then the offense shall be a Class C felony. If the number of individual images, materials, or combination of images and materials, exceeds one hundred (100), the offense shall be a Class B felony. (e) In a prosecution under this section, the state is not required to prove the actual identity or age of the minor. (f) It shall not be a defense to a violation of this section that a minor victim of the offense consented to the conduct that constituted the offense.
Recent Bookings with this Charge
View allGABRIEL MONTESINOS
Hamilton Co. · Feb 27, 2026
Darius Mcclure
Blount Co. · Feb 23, 2026
Darius Gilkey
Shelby Co. · Feb 19, 2026
DANNY SANABRIA
Davidson Co. · Feb 19, 2026
Micheal Quarles
Hamilton Co. · Feb 18, 2026
Lukas Reed
Sullivan Co. · Feb 13, 2026
Kelsey Whitmore
Shelby Co. · Feb 13, 2026
Martineus Tyler
Shelby Co. · Feb 13, 2026
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