Covington Predator: Lineback Gets 10 Years for Child Porn

MEMPHIS, TN – Austin Lineback, 59, of Covington, Tennessee, is headed to federal prison for a decade after being convicted of possessing horrific material. The sentence, handed down July 18, 2025, reflects the gravity of his crimes and sends a stark message: exploiting children will not be tolerated.

The case began January 30, 2023, when detectives with the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Lineback’s residence. He lived alone, and the search uncovered multiple electronic storage devices. What they found wasn’t just data – it was evidence of unimaginable abuse. A forensic examination confirmed the presence of images depicting child sexual abuse material.

Lineback didn’t plead his way to a deal. He forced the government to prove its case. Following a two-day trial in January 2025, a federal jury found him guilty on the single-count indictment. The evidence, apparently, spoke for itself. He now faces 10 years behind bars, with no chance of parole in the federal system. Upon release, he’ll be subject to lifetime supervised release – a constant reminder of his offenses.

This isn’t just about one predator; it’s part of a larger fight. The prosecution was undertaken as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative dedicated to dismantling networks of child exploitation and rescuing victims. It’s a collaborative effort, marshaling resources from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

“This case underscores our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us,” stated Interim U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee. The investigation was a joint effort between the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Lynn Crum, Eileen Kuo, and Lauren Delery secured the conviction and sentencing.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on efforts to combat child exploitation. For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc. If you have information regarding child exploitation, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for updates.