Suspect Arrested After Attempting to Meet Child for Sex
On March 8, 2017, investigators with the Knoxville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) received information that an individual was communicating with a 13-year-old female via the Internet in attempt to engage in sexual acts with the child. The parents of the 13-year-old female believed that the individual was an adult. The parents indicated the male had attempted to enter their daughter’s bedroom on two occasions.
A further investigation revealed that the suspect, Justin Kyle Phelps, was convicted in September 2011 for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and is currently on the sex offender registry.
On Monday March 13, 2017, at approximately 3:16 p.m., Phelps was taken into custody for Solicitation of a Minor- Aggravated Statutory Rape (Class E Felony). Phelps agreed to engage in sexual acts with a 13-year-old female and drove to meet the teen to engage in sexual acts. Phelps was taken into custody without incident by ICAC and KPD Organized Crime Unit investigators. Today, Phelps was also charged with a Sex Offender Registry Violation.
The investigation continues as investigators have received information that there may be additional victims in this case.
SUSPECT
Justin Kyle Phelps (W/M)
Monroe County Address
26 years of age
UPDATE:
Investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) secured two new warrants charging Phelps with Sex Offender Registry Form Violation and Perjury. Both charges carry a $10,000 bond each. This morning deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department placed Phelps into custody on the two new warrants in addition to a Violation of Sex Offender Registration warrant from Monroe County. Phelps is currently being transported to the Knox County Detention Facility. The investigation continues as investigators have received information that there may be additional victims in this case.