Puryear Man Arrested Following Online Exploitation Investigation

PARIS (July 28) — The Henry County Sheriff’s Office (ICAC) investigators, in coordination with FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and Puryear Police Department, has announced the arrest of Joseph Lee Parsons, 9540 Hwy 641 N., Puryear, Tenn., following an investigation into online offenses involving the sexual exploitation of minors.

The investigation began in April 2026 after ICAC investigators were notified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children through a Cyber Tip, that a suspect was using a Google account and was downloading images of child sex abuse material. Investigators conducted a comprehensive digital investigation which resulted in the execution of Judicial Subpoenas and search warrants that linked Parsons to the account.

Henry County Sheriff’s Office (ICAC) investigators with FBI Child Exploitation Task Force agents, Henry County Sheriff’s Office Patrol officers and Puryear PD executed an arrest warrant and search warrant at 9540 Hwy 641 N., Puryear, Tenn., on July 27 and arrested Parsons without incident. Parson’s phone was seized and will be sent for a forensic examination.

The suspect was booked into Henry County Corrections and charged with Sexual Exploitation of Minor with a bond set by Judge Bruce Griffey at $50,000. Court proceedings are pending. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

No further details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of victims.

Anyone with information related to crimes against children is encouraged to contact 731-642-1672 Option #7 or submit tips to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CyberTipline at 1-800-THE-LOST or www.cybertipline.org.

Assisting was Henry County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, Puryear PD and FBI Child Exploitation Task Force