Defendant Convicted of Sexually Abusing Multiple Children

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Child Abuse Unit obtained multiple convictions against a man who sexually assaulted two children.  Ray Gene Elliott, III, 35, was convicted of three counts each of Rape, Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure, and Aggravated Sexual Battery, and one count each of Attempted Aggravated Sexual Battery and Sexual Activity Involving a Minor.  Judge Scott Green revoked Elliott’s bond, ordered him into custody, and set the case for sentencing on September 20.

In a three-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Franklin Ammons and Heather Good explained to the jury that on January 14, 2021, Knox County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Nina Hummel and Caleb Shuford were notified that a fourteen-year-old victim disclosed that Elliott had sexually abused her the previous day.  Items from that incident were recovered, and testing by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation revealed Elliott’s DNA in the victim’s underwear.  During the investigation by KCSO and a forensic interview conducted by ChildHelp, the victim also disclosed prior instances of sexual abuse.  Additionally, investigators discovered the identity of a second child victim who had also been abused by Elliott.  The jury convicted Elliot of all counts despite the defense’s argument that the teenage rape victims were “devils of deception.”

“Given the multiple victims in this case, we will seek an enhanced punishment at sentencing,” said DA Allen.

Elliott has four prior felony convictions for Sale of Marijuana in a Drug Free School Zone.  As a Range II Offender, he is facing twelve to twenty years without the possibility of parole on each of the Rape, Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure, and Aggravated Sexual Battery counts.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Lauren Ward 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.