Evergreen Reporter

Jarrod Sanford, a 43-year-old registered sex offender, has been sentenced to 82 years in prison following his conviction for producing and possessing child pornography and committing a felony sex offense against a minor while required to register as a sex offender. The sentence was announced by Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

Sanford's criminal history includes two prior convictions for sexual offenses against minors. He was previously convicted of sexual battery in Crockett County, Tennessee, involving the rape of a fifteen-year-old child, and for transporting an individual for prostitution in Illinois related to the sex trafficking of another fifteen-year-old.

Due to these past offenses, Sanford was mandated to register as a sex offender under Tennessee law and adhere to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Despite these measures, he committed further crimes.

During Sanford’s trial in July 2024, evidence revealed that on November 19, 2023, Tipton County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to allegations that Sanford had raped a 13-year-old child. DNA evidence linked him to the crime. A search of his residence uncovered photographs on his phone showing him assaulting the same victim between July and November 2023.

A federal grand jury indicted Sanford in February 2024 for child pornography and registry violations. He was found guilty by federal jurors after a four-day trial on July 25. On October 31, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced him: 70 years for child pornography charges, ten years consecutively for violating SORNA requirements, plus two additional years for breaching supervised release conditions.

Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren emphasized the gravity of Sanford's actions: “Jarrod Sanford is a sexual predator whose monstrous crimes caused immeasurable harm... This prosecution... is essential to bringing justice... Today’s sentence should send a message... you will suffer severe consequences if you harm them.”

Special Agent Joe Carrico from the FBI underscored the impact on community safety: “The victimization of children tears at the fabric of our community... The FBI will continue...to bring to justice those who victimize our most vulnerable.”

The investigation involved collaboration between several agencies including the FBI, United States Probation Office for Western Tennessee, and Tipton County Sheriff’s Office. Fondren expressed gratitude towards Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lynn Crum and Lauren Delery who prosecuted this case alongside law enforcement partners.

For further information or updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office follow their social media channels or contact USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov.