Repeat Child Molester Convicted

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Child Abuse Unit obtained convictions against a child molester who was already on the Sex Offender Registry for abusing another child in 2005.  Bryan Anthony Capps, 36, was convicted of Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure, Sexual Battery, and Violation of the Sex Offender Registry.  Judge Steve Sword revoked Capps’ bond, ordered him into custody, and set the case for sentencing on December 8.

In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Heather Good and Ashley McDermott explained to the jury that on August 9, 2020, the victim was at Capps’ home when he sexually molested the fourteen-year-old child.  The victim disclosed the abuse to a family member who contacted Capps’ mother who asked them not to report the abuse to authorities.  The Knoxville Police Department was notified and investigated the crime and interviewed witnesses.  The victim was also forensically interviewed at ChildHelp Tennessee.  After the jury returned a verdict on the first part of the case, KPD Inv. Timothy Thornton testified that Capps was already a convicted sex offender at the time of the offense.

“At the sentencing hearing, we will seek a lengthy prison sentence so this offender cannot harm another child,” said DA Charme Allen.

Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure is a Class C felony carrying a punishment between three and six years.  Sexual Battery and Violation of the Sex Offender Registry are Class E felonies carrying a punishment of one to two years.  Capps is already a Registered Sex Offender after he pled guilty in 2008 to a Sexual Battery case where he molested a twelve-year-old child.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinators Micah Gallagher and 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.