A man from South Pittsburg, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for coercing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. The sentencing was announced by First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab handed down the sentence to Terron Slatton, 26. After serving his prison term, Slatton will be subject to 10 years of supervised release.
Court documents revealed that in December 2022, Slatton used a messaging app to contact a 10-year-old girl from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He persuaded her to engage in sexual conversations and requested sexually explicit images. He also suggested meeting in person for sex. Authorities arrested Slatton at his home in Tennessee after obtaining federal arrest and search warrants.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted the case.
First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti recognized Homeland Security Investigations–Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania State Police for their roles in the investigation that led to Slatton’s prosecution.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse across the country. The program brings together federal, state, and local agencies to find and prosecute those who exploit children and to help victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
