Child Abuser Sentenced to Twenty Years in Prison

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Child Abuse Unit obtained convictions against a man who sexually abused two children.  Johnathan Townsend Sloane, 47, pled guilty to two counts of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Minor.  Judge Scott Green imposed a sentence of twenty years to serve in the Tennessee Department of Correction without the possibility of parole.

In a plea colloquy, Assistant District Attorney Ashley McDermott and Deputy District Attorney Leland Price explained to the Court that in October 2019, the Department of Children’s Services received a complaint regarding child sexual abuse committed by Sloane against two minor children.  An investigation led by Knox County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Jeremy Wise revealed that Sloane sexually abused the first child beginning at age eight and the second child beginning at age nine.  The victims were interviewed by KCSO and Childhelp Tennessee.  Prior to the judge imposing sentence, ADA McDermott read victim impact statements from the victims and their family members outlining how the continuous abuse affected them.

“We have a responsibility to support our most vulnerable victims and hold their abusers accountable,” said DA Charme Allen.  “Thanks to the bravery of these children, the defendant will be off our streets for a long time to come.”

Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Minor is a Class B felony carrying a punishment between eight and twelve years in prison on each count.  Assistant District Attorney Tammy Hicks and Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Erin Morrison aided in the prosecution of this case.   

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.