John Choate of 112 Angler’s Cove, Kingston pled guilty in Roane County Criminal Court to child pornography charges and received an agreed upon sentence of 15 years to serve in prison with mandatory registration as a sex offender.

On July 9^th of this year, District Attorney General Russell Johnson’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit received ninety-eight ‘cyber-tips’ from Amazon containing images of CSAM (child sexual abuse material).  The tips only came with an IP address for the user. Therefore, ICAC Agent Cortney Dugger and Investigator Chanel Finnell issued numerous follow-up search subpoenas and search warrants to Amazon and were able to identify a username.  After utilizing other investigative techniques, they ultimately associated the username with John Choate.

As part of their investigation Dugger and Finnell ‘seized’ control of the user account and found over 300 images of child pornography.

On July 23^rd, Dugger, Finnell, the 9^th DTF, TBI, US/HSI and RCSO executed a search warrant at John Choate’s home to recover digital devices and evidence of child pornography production.  Upon the officers’ arrival, Choate quickly invoked his rights and refused to unlock his cellphone. The home was in a deplorable condition, saturated in dog feces, urine, and general filth. While executing the search warrant numerous firearms were located. Many electronic devices were located, and it appeared that Choate was a photographer.  Investigators processed the seized evidence from the home including the iPhone, two computers, compact flash cards and two safes for which Choate claimed that he could not remember the combination. Investigators found that the only bedroom in the home (that was locked) was full of little boys’ clothing and underwear. Choate is a 38-year-old unmarried male without children.  This evidence was used to make an arrest on three sexual exploitation charges (over 100 images) and in prosecuting the case to the conclusion with today’s guilty plea conviction.

Choate, a former teacher’s aide, previously worked at Midway Elementary School and was working most recently at Norwood Elementary School in Anderson County.  He also served as a Roane County Rescue Squad Unit Director and the state Chaplain for the statewide rescue squad association.

The 9th ICAC Unit was assisted by Shannon Morris, Knoxville PD ICAC forensic examiner who was able to conduct an emergency unlocking of the cell phone. Other law enforcement officers that assisted in this investigation were: an unnamed US Homeland Security Agent, TBI Agents who wish to remain unnamed, Randy Heidle and Annaliis Elsea who are investigators with Roane County Sheriff’s Office, along with Cortney Dugger and Chanel Finnell 9^th DAG Office.

Choate entered a plea to one count of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor (possessing 25 images with the intent to distribute) a B felony and two counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor both C felonies. Choate was sentenced to fifteen (15) years to serve in the custody of Tennessee Department of Correction at 100%. He will serve this sentence day-for-day with no eligibility for sentence reduction credits. Upon his release Choate will be placed on the sex offender registry.

Roane County Criminal Court Judge Jeff Wicks presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorney Jason Collver who prosecutes the crimes involving internet sex crimes handled this case on behalf of District Attorney General Russell Johnson.