Update (Nov. 2, 2020): The Knoxville Police Department said officers arrested a registered sex offender after finding child pornography on his computer during an annual Halloween operation.
59-year-old Jeff Phillips has been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor after authorities said they found videos on his computer containing child porn. Police said Phillips confessed to downloading it and acknowledged they were of underage children.
The discovery came after police conducted around 80 compliance reviews on sex offenders residing in Knoxville as part of its yearly Halloween sex offender check operation.
Police said they also discovered numerous pending sex offender registry violations during the operation, which will be reviewed by the District Attorney's office.
Original Story:
For the past several years, the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) has run 'Operation Blackout' during Halloween, to keep the state's 3,800 registered sex offenders away from children.
During Halloween, sex offenders under TDOC supervision must follow a specific set of rules:
- Must be at home by 6 p.m.
- No Halloween decorations
- Porch lights must be off
- No distributing Halloween candy
- May not attend Halloween functions (Hallelujah Night, Harvest Festivals, etc.)
“Operation Blackout provides all registered sex offenders under the supervision of the Tennessee Department of Correction with additional restrictions during a time when families and children might be out in the community enjoying festivals and activities. This operation is part of our commitment to public safety and ensuring that all Tennesseans can enjoy a happy and safe Halloween,” according to Assistant Commissioner of Community Supervision Lisa Helton.
TDOC officers will canvas areas and visit more than 3,800 offenders to ensure compliance.
“While we are aware that the majority of offenders we supervise are compliant with the rules of their supervision, TDOC is committed to public safety and takes this extra step to monitor offenders under our care," Correctional Administrator Sue Siedentop said.
Officials said they are continuing to monitor offenders during the pandemic using virtual reporting, virtual home visits, in-person residence verifications and in-person sex offender treatment verifications. TDOC has taken extra safety precautions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officers will be out in the community monitoring sex offenders for public safety, but parents should keep these tips in mind:
- Most victims know and trust the person who sexually abuses them. The most recent statistics in Tennessee (January - June 2020) show that over 50% of the children assisted by their local Child Advocacy Center were abused by a family member or other trusted adult.
- Many perpetrators “groom” their victims by establishing a trusting relationship with the family.
- A few ways to help guard against abuse is to be involved in your child’s life. Ask open-ended questions, show interest in their day, get to know the people in their life, choose caregivers wisely and know the warning signs.
- Teach your children about boundaries and encourage children to speak up
- Most victims do not display physical signs of abuse but show behavioral signs such as depression, anxiety, anger, withdrawal from normal activities, loss of appetite, substance abuse, self-mutilation, nightmares and bedwetting.
- If you are concerned about your child or suspect abuse, contact your local law enforcement, your local child advocacy center or sexual assault center.
- Parents can find more information by going to www.rainn.org (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)