Man Convicted of Raping Sixteen-Year-Old after Giving Her Drugs

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Child Abuse Unit obtained multiple convictions against a man who gave a sixteen-year-old girl prescription pills then raped her. Following a two-day trial, Buford E. Trammell, 55, was convicted of multiple counts of Rape, Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure, Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure, Solicitation of a Minor, and Casual Exchange with a Minor. Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on May 26.

At trial, Assistant District Attorneys Joanie Stewart and Rachel Russell explained to the jury that on November 24, 2014, Trammell and the victim traveled from Cookeville to Knoxville so Trammell could obtain an MRI. Trammell rented a room at Spring Hill Suites in Turkey Creek with a single bed. He then offered the victim two oxycodone pills, which she snorted. The victim passed out from ingesting the pill and awoke to Trammell raping her. The next morning, while still under the effect of the prescription painkiller, the victim was raped a second time.

“”This defendant used his position of trust as a father-figure, plied this child with powerful opiates, then repeatedly raped her,”” said DA Charme Allen.””Because of the conviction in this case, he will never be able to harm this child again.””

Each count of Rape is a Class B felony that carries a punishment between eight and twelve years. In addition to the prison sentence he receives, Trammell will be required to register with the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry and be subject to Community Supervision for Life. Prosecutors will seek an enhanced sentence because of the vulnerability of the victim and the defendant’s prior criminal history including a federal conviction for distributing cocaine.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.