James C. Thompson, a 72-year-old former resident of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on January 24, 2025. The sentencing was conducted by District Court Judge Travis R. McDonough in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, located in Chattanooga. Alongside the prison term, Thompson was fined $250,000 and will undergo three years of supervised release after serving his sentence. As part of his release conditions, he must register with state sex offender registries and adhere to specific conditions for sex offenders.
Thompson had agreed to a plea deal, pleading guilty to four counts of transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activities, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a). According to court documents, in 2000, Thompson traveled with three different boys, all under 18, and engaged in sexual molestation. The incidents involved transporting the minors from Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, to various out-of-state locations. Upon discovery of his actions, Thompson confessed to an FBI agent.
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The announcement of the sentence was made by U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III and FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico. The case was the result of an investigation by the Jackson County Alabama Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, led by Special Agent Samuel Moore. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney James T. Brooks and Special Assistant United States Attorney Charlie Minor.
This case was part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a national initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, aiming to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative involves collaboration between federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims. More information about the initiative is available at Project Safe Childhood. For resources on internet safety education, visit Internet Safety Education Resources.
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Dyersburg Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse
Robert Galler from Dyersburg has been sentenced to lengthy prison terms in both federal and state courts for sexually abusing minors. He was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison followed by additional state penalties, with both sentences running concurrently. The investigation and prosecution involved collaboration between federal and state authorities.