Andrew John Paolini, Enticement of a Minor, Tennessee 2025

Andrew John Paolini, a 64-year-old Gallatin man, has been sentenced to 151 months in prison for enticing a minor. The sentencing took place on August 14, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Prior to his sentencing, Paolini had pleaded guilty to a single count of Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Statutory Rape, as defined in Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-13-506(c), in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b). This charge was filed as part of a plea agreement with the court.

The investigation that led to Paolini’s arrest began in late October 2024, when FBI agents launched an undercover operation online in public chat areas known to be trafficked by purveyors of child sexual abuse material. During this operation, agents communicated with an online user who was later identified as Paolini, as he attempted to entice a 13-year-old girl for sex.

Agents arrested Paolini in November 2024, after he arrived at an arranged meeting location with whom he believed to be his underage victim. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States in the case.

Paolini will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions following his imprisonment. He will serve 151 months in prison and will be on lifetime supervised release.

The case highlights the importance of investigating and prosecuting individuals who attempt to exploit children online. It also serves as a reminder of the resources available to combat child sexual exploitation, including Project Safe Childhood.