A federal grand jury in the Western District of Tennessee has indicted Zachary Sean Fortner, 36, of Martin, Tennessee, on several counts related to child sexual solicitation and exploitation, according to an April 28 announcement by United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant.
The case involves allegations that Fortner persuaded a minor to send nude photographs in 2013 and later distributed, received, and possessed child pornography via the social media application Kik in 2024. The indictment includes one count of production of child pornography—which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years—two counts of receiving or attempting to receive child pornography, one count of distribution, and one count of possession. Each receipt or distribution charge carries a five-year mandatory minimum prison term.
Dunavant said: "The U.S. Attorney’s office and our law enforcement partners remain proactive and vigilant in our investigations and prosecutions of cyber-crimes against vulnerable victims, including the sexual solicitation of minors, and possession and distribution of child pornography. No matter how long it takes, those who exploit minor children will be exposed and held accountable.”
If convicted on any charge before United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson in Jackson, Fortner will be sentenced after consideration under the United States Sentencing Guidelines; there is no parole in the federal system. The investigation is being conducted by members from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Martin Police Department, and the District Attorney’s Office for the 27th Judicial District.
Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact TBI Special Agent Sarah Turner at 615-744-4000 or 1-800-TBI-FIND.
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 under the U.S. Department of Justice according to its official website.
This office handles prosecutions for federal crimes as well as defending civil matters involving the United States according to its official website. Serving all counties within western Tennessee according to its official website, it operates from Memphis and Jackson according to its official website.
Additionally, it traces its origins back over two centuries while maintaining support across both criminal prosecution and civil defense functions throughout the region according to its official website.
