Sullivan County, TN (WOKI) -A former Washington County deputy is facing serious charges following an investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
TBI agents assigned to the Cybercrime and Digital Evidence Unit began looking into a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children back in September. Investigators say multiple files of child sexual abuse material were being shared through accounts on X, Discord, and Snapchat.
During the investigation, agents identified 25-year-old Jacob Byrd as the user behind those accounts. At the time, Byrd was employed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say he was terminated when the allegations surfaced.
Agents later executed a search warrant at Byrd’s home in Sullivan County, where they seized several electronic devices.
This week, a Sullivan County Grand Jury indicted Byrd on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor involving more than 100 images. He turned himself in Friday morning and was booked into the Sullivan County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
The case remains under investigation.
Authorities remind the public that the charges are allegations, and Byrd is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Anyone with information about online child exploitation is urged to contact the TBI Tipline at 1-800-TBI-FIND or submit a report through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline.
The TBI says cases like this are on the rise. Their Internet Crimes Against Children unit handled nearly 1,000 cases in 2024, with that number climbing to more than 1,500 in 2025. Officials say the increase highlights the need for continued awareness and prevention efforts to protect children online.
