Tennessee Woman Charged with Child Pornography

Tennessee Woman Charged with Child Pornography

A 32-year-old Tennessee woman has been charged with producing, receiving, and distributing child pornography in a case that has sent shockwaves through the community. Tekilla Frisbie, 32, of Tennessee, was charged by criminal complaint with the serious crime, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, a $500,000 fine or both.

According to the complaint, Frisbie produced images of child pornography in the Western District of New York between May and August 2011, using a cell phone that belonged to a friend. The friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, told law enforcement officers that Frisbie had lived with her and looked after her children.

The investigation into Frisbie’s activities was sparked by a tip from the FBI Office in Elmira, N.Y. in July 2013. The tip alleged that a man from Maryland had exchanged images of child pornography with a woman in the Western District of New York between May and August 2011.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Lee, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was interviewed by FBI Special Agents in Tennessee and admitted to producing and distributing the images. Lee emphasized that the case is a prime example of the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the federal government to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian P. Boetig, led the investigation into Frisbie’s activities. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in the fight against child sex crimes.

The fact that Tekilla Frisbie has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and she is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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