Former Knoxville Officer Sentenced in Federal Child Sex Images Case

Former Officer Dan Roark was accused of asking for and receiving pictures of a naked five-year-old girl. (Courtesy: KPD)

Former Knoxville Officer Sentenced in Federal Child Sex Images Case

Posted on June 5, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A former Knoxville Police Department officer is sentenced to over two decades in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material.

The case first came to light in November 2024 when court documents revealed that Officer Dan Roark had asked a woman in Virginia who he was dating, repeatedly, for pictures and videos of her then five-year-old daughter.

Investigators revealed more than 20,000 text messages between Roark and the woman with Roark asking for specific pictures and videos of the girl in exchange for money.

Roark pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sexually exploit a child and receipt of child pornography. He was sentenced Thursday to 25 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He is also required to register with the state sex offender registry.

Former Officer Dan Roark was accused of asking for and receiving pictures of a naked five-year-old girl. (Courtesy: KPD)

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