NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Donelson man accused of buying content showing a minor engaging in sexual activity faces up to 90 years in prison after his waiving his right to a jury trial, according to officials.

On Tuesday, Sept. 9, Sumner County District Attorney General Thomas Dean announced that 61-year-old Jerry Matheny appeared before a circuit court judge in what was supposed to be the first day of his jury trial.

However, the 61-year-old reportedly waived his right to a jury trial and pleaded guilty to 15 counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor.

According to authorities, Matheny was indicted by a grand jury in November 2023 after an investigation by the Sumner County Sheriff's Office revealed that he purchased "numerous videos and photographs, which featured a Sumner County teen engaging in sexual activity."

During the investigation, law enforcement reportedly learned that the 61-year-old received the material from the victim via Facebook and then paid the teen for the content using CashApp.

Even though the assistant district attorney general assigned to prosecute the case was prepared to do so Tuesday, Matheny's pleas of "guilty as charged" made a trial impossible, Dean said.

When announcing Matheny's conviction, Dean made the following statement:

Online child sexual exploitation has reached truly epidemic proportions. While my office remains focused on aggressively prosecuting those who commit these types of offenses against Sumner County's children, the best way for a parent to prevent their child from becoming a victim is to take charge.

I strongly urge all parents to check-in with their children regularly, monitor their social media and internet usage, and install appropriate parental control features on their smart devices.

In closing, I wish to recognize the outstanding work of Sheriff Craddock's Criminal Investigations Division. Detective Langston's thorough investigation into Matheny's crimes uncovered irrefutable evidence of his guilt. Additionally, I appreciate the staff of Ashley's Place, Sumner County's child advocacy center, who helped gather valuable evidence in this case.

Finally, I thank my outstanding support staff, Victim Witness Coordinators Sally Ann Pirtle and Jennifer Woodard, as well as Legal Secretary Brittany Nale, all of whom provided valuable assistance to the victim and prosecutor.

Dean added that Matheny faces up to 90 years in prison and, under Tennessee law, any sentence imposed would be served without the possibility of parole or early release. A judge also revoked Matheny's $250,000 bond and he will remain incarcerated until a sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for Nov. 10. 

No additional details were immediately released.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/donelson-man-faces-up-to-90-years-in-prison-for-allegedly-buying-child-sexual-abuse-material/