Johnathan Nathaniel Allen, 27, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, has pleaded guilty in federal court to the production of child sexual abuse material. Allen, who had served as a county sheriff’s deputy since 2021, targeted a 13-year-old girl located in York County South Carolina.
In September 2024, Allen used Reddit and the TextMe platform to contact the minor. Posing as a 14-year-old boy named “Josh,” Allen pressured the victim to produce sexually explicit content. Evidence revealed that Allen initiated contact through a forum referencing teenagers before moving the conversation to text messages using a virtual phone number.
During their interactions, Allen instructed the minor to perform explicit acts and told her to delete their messages to avoid detection. Despite his claims that he could be trusted, Allen was 25 years old at the time of the offense.
A search of Allen’s home uncovered a mobile device containing the “Josh” identity and numerous communications with the minor. Federal agents also discovered clothing in Allen’s bedroom that matched items worn by “Josh” in photos shared on the platforms. Additionally, data from the accounts and a childhood photo used by the “Josh” persona were traced directly back to Allen.
Allen faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison. His sentence will also include a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and potential lifetime supervision. U.S. District Judge Sherri A. Lydon will sentence Allen following a formal review by the U.S. Probation Office.
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