Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Coercing Minor for Explicit Content

Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Coercing Minor for Explicit Content

Terron Slatton, a 26-year-old resident of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual exploitation of a minor in a federal court in Western Pennsylvania. The conviction comes after an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations–Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania State Police.

According to the indictment, between December 24, 2022, and December 25, 2022, Slatton used the internet to coerce a minor residing in Western Pennsylvania into producing explicit content. The defendant also discussed meeting the minor for sex.

The case was brought under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

Terron Slatton is scheduled to be sentenced on November 18, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

The federal Sentencing Guidelines will determine the actual sentence imposed based on the seriousness of the offense and Slatton’s prior criminal history. The defendant’s guilty plea has brought an end to the prosecution, but the true extent of the case remains to be seen at sentencing.

Terron Slatton’s conviction is a stark reminder of the dangers of child exploitation and the importance of projects like Project Safe Childhood in combating these crimes. As our investigation continues, we will provide updates on the case and the ongoing efforts to protect our children from predators like Slatton.