Defendant Convicted of Rape and Ordered into Custody

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Major Crimes Unit obtained convictions against a convicted felon who raped a woman he recently met on an online dating website. Tony Darrell Manning, 51, was convicted of Rape, Aggravated Assault, and two counts of Attempted Rape. Judge Scott Green ordered Manning into custody and set the case for sentencing on September 17.

In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Hector Sanchez and Joanie Stewart explained to the jury that on July 28, 2016, Knoxville Police Department Investigator Charlie Lee responded to a report of a rape at a residence on Parkview Avenue. At the scene, officers spoke with the victim who stated she met Manning several weeks earlier through an online dating service. Over the course of their relationship, Manning became more controlling over the victim. On July 25, 2016, Manning assaulted the victim, choking her and throwing her backward. Days later, Manning returned home from work late at night to find the victim sleeping. Manning then raped the victim. As soon as Manning left for work the next morning, the victim called 911. After reporting the rape to KPD, the victim was taken to the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee for evaluation.

“We were able to hold this offender accountable thanks to the courage of the victim who came forward and testified against her abuser,” said DA Charme Allen.

Rape is a Class B felony carrying a punishment between eight and twelve years in prison without the possibility of parole. Attempted Rape and Aggravated Assault are Class C felonies with punishment between three and six years. At sentencing, prosecutors will seek an enhanced sentence citing Manning’s previous criminal history which includes convictions in federal court for drug trafficking and money laundering.

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.