NASHVILLE – A federal jury convicted Pierre Burns, a 31-year-old man from Smyrna, Tennessee, of producing sexually explicit images of two minors, and attempting to influence their testimony by calling them from jail. Yesterday, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release, a fitting punishment for his heinous crimes.
According to the evidence presented at trial, in March 2020, Burns picked up two runaway minors at a Nashville Waffle House. Over the next several days, he used his phone to photograph and record the minors engaging in sexual acts. These sexually explicit images were later discovered on Burns’ phone during a traffic stop.
One of the minors depicted in the images was in the car with Burns during the traffic stop. This egregious act of child exploitation was only the beginning of Burns’ crimes. While awaiting trial, he called one of the minors from the jail in an attempt to influence her testimony, further highlighting his blatant disregard for the law and the well-being of the victims.
“Protecting minors from exploitation continues to be one of the Justice Department’s top priorities,” said United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. “Today’s sentence, and the excellent investigative and trial work that preceded it, will ensure that this defendant will not get anywhere near children for the next two decades.”
This sentencing is a result of cooperation between HSI and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to rescue children being sexually exploited. Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud praised the investigators and law enforcement partners, stating, “Our investigators work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to deliver justice to those who engage in the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material.”
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison leading the prosecution. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of justice.
As Burns sits behind bars, the community can take some solace in knowing that he will no longer pose a threat to the safety and well-being of children. The Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting minors from exploitation is a beacon of hope for victims and their families.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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