James Daniel McGee, 36, of Savannah, Tennessee, was sentenced on Apr. 23 to 35 years in federal prison for using the internet to entice a minor into criminal sexual acts and for committing this offense while required to register as a sex offender under Tennessee law. The sentence was announced by D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety online and the risks posed by offenders who use technology to target minors. Federal authorities say they are committed to prosecuting such crimes in order to protect children.
McGee had previously been convicted in May 2013 of solicitation of a minor and exploitation of a minor by electronic means in Hardin County, which required him to register as a sex offender for at least ten years. After completing his registry period and being removed from the registry in September 2024, it was discovered that McGee began communicating with a 15-year-old girl from Campbell, Missouri via social media starting July 2024. Investigators found that he traveled twice from Savannah to Missouri—first in August and again in November—to engage in sexual activity with her.
Police later found the minor at McGee's home after she had been transported there from Missouri. She told officers that she met McGee on Facebook earlier that year; he asked her for nude photos and videos under threat of getting her into "deep trouble" if she did not comply. She also said McGee videotaped their sexual encounters at his residence.
After pleading guilty, United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced McGee not only to prison but also ten years of supervised release following incarceration; there is no parole available under federal law. In addition, McGee faces state charges related to these events both in Hardin County and Dunklin County, Missouri.
Dunavant said: "With the proliferation of cell phones and social media, vulnerable children are at a high risk of solicitation and enticement for sex. This office will always aggressively prosecute and seek significant and mandatory sentences for such recidivist and predatory behavior in order to protect children and hold offenders accountable." The investigation involved agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as local police departments from Savannah (Tennessee), Campbell (Missouri), Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office (Missouri), with Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuting.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee advances community safety through federal law enforcement efforts according to its official website. It is one among ninety-three offices within the U.S Department of Justice according to its official website serving prosecution needs across Memphis, Jackson, Hardin County—and tracing its origins back over two centuries according to its official website.
