Obion County Man Indicted for Child Pornography Offenses

Memphis, TN – A Obion County man has been indicted on charges of production, attempted production and possession of child pornography. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the indictment today.

According to the two-count indictment, between December 2018 and February 2019, Eric Jobe, 40, of Union City, knowingly used and attempted to use a child under twelve years of age to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images and/or videos of such conduct. Jobe is also alleged to have possessed a cell phone containing child pornography, including prepubescent minors.

If convicted of both counts, Jobe faces up to fifty years' imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The United States also seeks criminal forfeiture of any proceeds related to the crime.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Let this indictment serve notice on those who use the internet and electronic means to exploit, abuse, and victimize minor children: You cannot hide, we will track you down, and you will be held accountable for such disturbing and predatory criminal conduct."

This case was investigated by the FBI Memphis Child Exploitation Task Force; Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; Union City Police Department; and the 27th Judicial District Drug Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Anyone who believes they may have information about this case or related activities is asked to contact the Memphis Child Exploitation Task Force at 901-747-4300.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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