Greenfield Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation

JACKSON, Tenn.  – James Anthony Morris, 59, of Greenfield, Tenn., was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for production of child pornography.  United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

The investigation in this case revealed that Morris set up a “spy camera” in one of his bedrooms at his residence in Greenfield, Tennessee and secretly recorded multiple minors in the nude and changing clothes.  Morris then distributed some of the child pornographic material that he recorded on his “spy camera” to another individual via the Quora social media application. 

On April 1, 2026, Morris pleaded guilty to one count of employing and using a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a).  On July 22, 2026, Senior United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Morris to 300 months' imprisonment and five years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Additionally, Morris must comply with the conditions of the Sex Offender Registration & Notification Act (SORNA) upon his release from prison. 

U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "Production of child pornography is a disturbing crime that endangers and harms real child victims. We will always seek significant sentences for such despicable and predatory behavior, and this successful prosecution has incapacitated a real threat to our children and our community in West Tennessee."

“This sentence sends a clear message: HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice for victims and safeguard our communities,” said HSI Nashville Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Perez. “HSI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable for their actions. Those who exploit minors and distribute child pornography will face the full consequences of the law.”

“This sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and our local, state, and federal partners to protect children and hold those who exploit them accountable,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “We hope this outcome sends a clear message that we will continue to dedicate every available resource to investigating these crimes, pursuing justice for victims, and ensuring those who prey upon our most vulnerable residents are brought to justice.”

The case was investigated by members of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the District Attorney’s Office for the 27^th Judicial District, the Greenfield Police Department, and the Martin Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Caroline Parish and Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.