Knoxville Predator Gets 10 Years

⏱ 3 min read

Ryan Garrett, 41, of Maryville, Tennessee, is trading freedom for a decade in federal prison. The bust went down March 13, 2025, in Knoxville, after a sting operation revealed Garrett was arranging to meet a nine-year-old and a twelve-year-old for sex. The Tennessee Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force had been watching his online movements for weeks, building the case that landed him before Judge Katherine Crytzer on March 18, 2026.

Detectives with the Knoxville Police Department and agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were on the ground when Garrett showed up at the planned meeting spot, effectively ending his twisted scheme. Court records show he wasn’t just *thinking* about it – he was actively making travel plans to Knoxville with the intent to commit these crimes.

HSI Special Agent Tom Evans led the investigation, and Garrett ultimately cut a deal, pleading guilty to attempted enticement of a minor. That plea secured the 120-month sentence, but his troubles don’t end there. Garrett will face 30 years of supervised release after his time inside, and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III announced the sentencing, highlighting that the case was part of Project Safe Child, a federal initiative aimed at shutting down online predators and protecting vulnerable kids. This one’s a grim reminder that the digital world is just as dangerous as the streets.