A federal grand jury in the Western District of Tennessee has indicted Zachary Sean Fortner, 36, of Martin, Tennessee, on multiple counts related to child sexual solicitation and exploitation, according to an April 28 announcement by United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant.
The indictment alleges that Fortner persuaded a minor in 2013 to take nude photographs and send them to him via cell phone. It further alleges that in 2024 he distributed, received, and possessed child pornographic images and videos using the Kik social media application.
Fortner faces one count of production of child pornography—which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years—and additional counts for receiving, attempting to receive, distributing, and possessing child pornography. The receipt and distribution offenses each carry five-year mandatory minimum sentences. The case is pending before United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson in Jackson. Sentencing will be determined if Fortner is convicted after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines; there is no parole in the federal system.
Dunavant said: “The U.S. Attorney’s office and our law enforcement partners remain proactive and vigilant in our investigations and prosecutions of cyber-crimes against vulnerable victims, including the sexual solicitation of minors, and possession and distribution of child pornography. No matter how long it takes, those who exploit minor children will be exposed and held accountable.”
Investigators from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Martin Police Department, and the District Attorney’s Office for the 27th Judicial District are working on this case. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact TBI Special Agent Sarah Turner at 615-744-4000 or 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow is prosecuting for the government.
According to the official website, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee advances community safety through federal law enforcement efforts as one of ninety-three offices under the Department of Justice nationwide. The office handles prosecutions for federal crimes as well as civil matters involving defense of the United States across its jurisdiction based out of Memphis and Jackson since its origins dating back to 1803.
The charges outlined are accusations only; Fortner remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.