Child Molester Convicted of Raping Seven-Year-Old

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Child Abuse Unit obtained convictions against a man who sexually assaulted a seven-year-old child. A jury found James Theodore Menard, 38, guilty-as-charged and convicted him of Rape of a Child, two counts of Aggravated Sexual Battery, and Distribution of Unlawful Material to Minors. Judge Steve Sword revoked Menard’s bond and set the case for sentencing on January 9.

In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Sarah Keith and Nate Ogle explained to the jury that from 2016 to 2018, Menard sexually assaulted his girlfriend’s minor child when they lived in Montgomery Village. The child was seven and eight years old at the time of the abuse. The victim ultimately told a teacher about the abuse. The teacher alerted law enforcement, and Knoxville Police Department Investigator Jonathan Harris responded. While the abuse took place repeatedly over the course of several years, the victim disclosed three specific instances of abuse that resulted in the Rape of a Child and two Aggravated Sexual Battery counts. As a way to groom the victim for abuse, Menard also showed the victim pornographic materials, resulting in the conviction for Distribution of Unlawful Material to Minors.

“One of the most important roles we have in this Office is to protect children from predators,” said DA Charme Allen.”Children in this community are safer because of this conviction.”

Rape of a Child is a Class A felony that carries a punishment of twenty-five to forty years in prison without the possibility of parole. Aggravated Sexual Battery is a Class B felony, carrying a punishment between eight and twelve years. At sentencing, prosecutors will seek an enhanced sentence due to the nature of the offense and Menard’s multiple prior convictions out of several states.

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.