Former Knoxville Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges
A disturbing case has come to a close as a former Knoxville Police Officer has pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges, according to court documents.
Details Unfold
The plea agreement reveals that Dan Roark, a former officer with Knoxville Police Department, pleaded guilty to two severe charges: one count of conspiracy to sexually exploit a child and one count of receipt of child pornography. These charges stem from an investigation that began nearly a year ago.
Initial Tip and Investigation
An anonymous tip to the Scott County Virginia Sheriff’s Department indicated that a juvenile was using a cell phone to distribute child sexual abuse material. Upon examining the phone, investigators discovered text messages between the juvenile’s phone and Roark’s, dating back to 2019. Roark had demanded child pornography from the victim according to the plea agreement.
Involvement of the Victim’s Mother
The victim’s mother allegedly conspired with Roark and helped create the child sexual abuse material that was sent to him, according to court documents.
Sentencing and Penalties
The prosecution has agreed to cap its request for Roark’s sentence at 25 years. The plea agreement stipulates that each charge carries a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years. Roark may also face supervised release after his sentence, along with fines, restitution, and mandatory assessments. Fines for each charge can reach up to $250,000.
Destruction of Evidence
The phone used by Roark to contact the victim will be destroyed as part of the plea agreement. This follows an investigation that led to Roark’s arrest.
Reaction from Knoxville Police Department
Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel stated that the allegations against Roark were “deeply disturbing and abhorrent.” Roark, who had been employed by the department since 2007, was terminated a week after his arrest following an internal investigation. The department aims to rebuild trust with the community after this incident.
With the case concluding, Knoxville residents and authorities alike hope for justice and healing for those affected by these crimes. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action in protecting vulnerable community members.
