FORMER PUTNAM COUNTY COMMISSIONER SENTENCED TO SEVEN AND A HALF YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR CHILD SEX CRIMES
A former Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper and Putnam County commissioner has been sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to charges related to child sexual abuse material.
Key Details of the Case
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The Charges: Jimmy Neal pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing, receiving, and distributing child pornography. Federal investigators stated he helped operate an online group that shared the illicit material, allegedly using the username “tennesseemaster.”
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The Investigation: The FBI initiated the investigation in July 2021 following the arrest of an Oklahoma man on child pornography charges, which led to the identification of other network users. Federal agents executed a search warrant at Neal’s residence and arrested him on May 26, 2022.
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Sentencing and Penalties: In addition to his prison term, Neal was ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution. He is required to report to federal prison by October 23, 2026.
