A Greenbrier man is facing a staggering slate of felony charges in Robertson County, where a grand jury has returned a 64-count indictment accusing him of a wide range of offenses involving young children. James Mackenzie Gay, 25, of Greenbrier, is charged with everything from aggravated sexual battery of children under 13 to the production and possession of sexual-exploitation material, along with counts tied to electronic solicitation.
Indictment details
The Robertson County grand jury handed down an indictment that includes 20 counts of aggravated sexual battery involving a child under 13, 36 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor (possession), five counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor (production), one count of solicitation of a minor for rape of a child, one count of sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means and one count of criminal attempted sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means, according to WSMV. Altogether, the charges total 64 counts. The grand jury’s decision followed an investigation by the Greenbrier Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division.
Investigation and arrest
According to detectives with the Greenbrier Police Department, the case began with allegations of unlawful sexual contact involving multiple minors. Investigators took Gay into custody on March 19 at his home, then transported him to the Robertson County Detention Facility, Smokey Barn News reported. Authorities said the alleged victims are believed to be between about 8 and 12 years old and noted that additional charges could still emerge as the investigation continues. Gay remains held at the county jail pending further action.
Officials and privacy
The Greenbrier Police Department credited the 19th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Robertson County Child Advocacy Center with assisting in the investigation, according to WSMV. Because of the young ages of the alleged victims, officials said they will not release identifying information and urged the public to avoid speculation. Authorities have not yet provided details about a court date or released additional charging documents.
Legal status and potential penalties
An indictment is a formal accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Under Tennessee law, aggravated sexual battery is a Class B felony, with sentencing ranges that vary depending on a person’s criminal-history category and that can reach up to 30 years in prison. Offenses involving the production or possession of sexual-exploitation material are separately defined in state law and also carry felony-level penalties, according to Tennessee statutes and sentencing tables (Justia, FindLaw). Prosecutors and defense attorneys will present evidence at upcoming court proceedings as the case moves through the system.
Local reporting indicates that anyone with potential information for investigators has been asked to contact the Greenbrier Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. Authorities say they will release further information as allowed while the matter proceeds through the courts.
