Sex Offender Convicted of Raping Another Child

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Child Abuse Unit obtained convictions against a sex offender who raped his seven-year-old grandchild.  Gary Len Rollins, Sr., 64, was convicted of Rape of a Child and two counts of Aggravated Sexual Battery.  Judge Hector Sanchez revoked Rollins’ bond, ordered him into custody, and set the case for sentencing on June 29 where Rollins faces between twenty-five and forty years in prison.

In a three-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Ashley McDermott and Franklin Ammons explained to the jury that when the victim was seven years old, Rollins was babysitting the victim and other grandchildren after a dentist checkup.  While in Rollins’ home, Rollins raped and sexually assaulted the child.  After eventually being interviewed at ChildHelp of Tennessee, the victim disclosed the abuse.  Knoxville Police Department Investigators Floyd Fox and Tim Thornton interviewed Rollins and other witnesses.  What the jury could not know while they were deliberating but will be brought out at sentencing is that Rollins was already on the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry after he was convicted of Aggravated Rape in 1988 for raping his two-year-old child.  Rollins was released after serving a fifteen-year sentence.

“We are seeking the maximum sentence in this case to make sure this offender can never harm another child,” said DA Allen.

In addition to a prior conviction for Aggravated Rape, Rollins has also been convicted of violating the Sex Offender Registry requirements.  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.