Knoxville, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Nathan Hart, a 24-year-old from Knoxville, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to child pornography charges. His sentencing also includes a $45,000 restitution fee to victims and 20 years of supervised release. The case, part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, underscores efforts to combat child exploitation. In a related case, former police officer Dan Roark was sentenced to 25 years for similar offenses involving coercion of a minor’s mother.
Knoxville – Nathan Hart, a 24-year-old resident of Knoxville, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for child pornography charges. His sentencing follows a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, in which he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of and access with intent to view child pornography. Along with his prison sentence, Hart has been ordered to pay $45,000 in restitution to victims and will undergo 20 years of supervised release after completing his time behind bars.
The investigation leading to Hart’s plea involved a search of his residence and electronic devices in May 2023. This search was initiated after tips were received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Law enforcement officials found at least 24 videos and numerous images of child pornography, which were obtained from various online sources. The investigation included efforts from the Knoxville Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of a broader initiative by the Department of Justice known as Project Safe Childhood, which focuses on combating child exploitation and protecting children from sexual predators.
In a separate but related case, former Knoxville police officer Dan Roark was sentenced to 25 years in prison for similar charges in June 2025. Roark’s sentence consists of 300 months of imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He is also required to register with state sex offender registries after completing his sentence. His case involved child exploitation and illegal activities concerning a minor victim’s mother.
Investigations into Roark began in October 2023 after the Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Department received an anonymous tip. Roark was arrested in November 2023 when an examination of his phone revealed that he had received pornographic images from the victim’s mother, coercing her in the process. Roark worked at the Knoxville Police Department since 2007 but was suspended and subsequently fired following his arrest.
The cases of Hart and Roark highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to crack down on child exploitation and protect vulnerable children from harm. The initiatives are designed not only to prosecute offenders but also to prevent future exploitation.
Case Summary
| Name | Age | Sentence | Charges | Restitution/Release | Background |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan Hart | 24 | 70 months | Possession of child pornography | $45,000 restitution, 20 years supervised release | Search conducted on May 2023 after tips from NCMEC. Found 24 videos and images. |
| Dan Roark | N/A | 25 years | Child pornography charges; exploitation | Lifetime supervised release, must register as sex offender | Arrested in November 2023 due to coercion of minor’s mother. Worked since 2007. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges was Nathan Hart convicted of?
Nathan Hart pleaded guilty to possession of and access with intent to view child pornography.
What is the length of Hart’s prison sentence?
Nathan Hart was sentenced to 70 months in prison.
What is Project Safe Childhood?
Project Safe Childhood is a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child exploitation and protecting children from predators.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Shocking Arrest in Knoxville: Local Man Caught in Child Exploitation Sting
Sentencing Date Set for Former Knoxville Police Officer Convicted of Child Pornography Charges
Former Knoxville Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges
Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography Charges
Former Knoxville Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges
Additional Resources
- WATE: Knoxville Man Sentenced After Guilty Plea in Child Pornography Case
- Wikipedia: Child pornography
- WATE: Knoxville Man Sentenced After Guilty Plea in Child Pornography Case
- Google Search: Child exploitation laws
- Knox News: Former Knoxville Police Officer Sentenced
- Google Scholar: Child pornography
- Hoodline: Former Knoxville Police Officer Sentenced
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child abuse
- WATE: Former Knoxville Police Officer Sentenced to 25 Years
- Google News: Child exploitation
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