Coach Shannon Jailed for Sexually Exploiting Minor

GREENVILLE, MS – Andreus Shannon, a 44-year-old Memphis basketball coach, was handed a 12-year prison sentence for his despicable crimes of transporting a minor across state lines for sex and cyberstalking the victim after she turned 18. The judge imposed a 144-month sentence for Shannon’s interstate sexual exploitation, with an additional 60-month term for cyberstalking.

According to court documents, Shannon, under the guise of a basketball coach for a local homeschool association, won the trust of parents and a young female player. He used this position to drive her to games in Mississippi and Tennessee, where he sexually exploited the minor over several years at his home, various gyms, and rental properties. His betrayal didn’t end there; Shannon continued his predatory behavior even after the victim reached 18, engaging in a two-year cyberstalking campaign that included threats of releasing explicit images.

Chief District Judge Debra M. Brown also sentenced Shannon to five years of supervised release upon his release from prison and mandated sex offender registration wherever he resides, works, or attends school. “The defendant’s crimes represented a truly reprehensible betrayal of trust,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner, emphasizing the gravity of Shannon’s actions.

Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office condemned Shannon’s actions, stating, “Shannon callously undermined the trust of unsuspecting parents and preyed on a minor for years. His deliberate actions targeting the innocence of our youth will not be tolerated.” The investigation was led by the FBI with significant contributions from local law enforcement agencies.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide effort to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information on this initiative, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.