Former Putnam County Commissioner and Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Jimmy Neal sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison for his role in an online child exploitation group.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Neal pled guilty to four counts related to possessing, receiving, and distributing child pornography. Neal ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution and will serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison term.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at the home of Neal on May 26, 2022. The investigation began in July 2021 after an Oklahoma man was arrested on child pornography charges and other users in the online group were identified.
Federal investigators found that Neal helped run an online group where child sexual abuse material was shared. The press release said Neal used the username “tennesseemaster” within the group.
Neal must report to federal prison to begin his sentence by October 23.
