James Anthony Morris, 59, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for production of child pornography, according to a July 23 announcement by United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee.
Investigators found that Morris installed a “spy camera” in a bedroom at his Greenfield, Tennessee residence and secretly recorded multiple minors while they were nude and changing clothes. Some of the recorded material was distributed by Morris via the Quora social media application. On April 1, Morris pleaded guilty to one count of employing and using a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction in violation of federal law. Senior United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced him on July 22 to 300 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release; there is no parole in the federal system.
Upon release from prison, Morris must comply with conditions set forth by the Sex Offender Registration & Notification Act (SORNA). U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, “Production of child pornography is a disturbing crime that endangers and harms real child victims. We will always seek significant sentences for such despicable and predatory behavior, and this successful prosecution has incapacitated a real threat to our children and our community in West Tennessee.”
Homeland Security Investigations Nashville Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Perez said, “This sentence sends a clear message: HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice for victims and safeguard our communities.” Perez continued, “HSI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable for their actions. Those who exploit minors and distribute child pornography will face the full consequences of the law.”
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch said, “This sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and our local, state, and federal partners to protect children and hold those who exploit them accountable.” Rausch added that he hopes this outcome sends a clear message about dedicating resources toward investigating these crimes.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), District Attorney’s Office for the 27th Judicial District, Greenfield Police Department, and Martin Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Caroline Parish and Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee advances community safety through federal law enforcement efforts as one among 93 offices under the U.S. Department of Justice; it handles prosecutions involving federal crimes from offices located in Memphis and Jackson serving its district as part of its prosecutorial mandate as described on the official website.