FBI, Tennessee Law Enforcement Help Send Sexual Predator to Prison for Life
A repeat sexual predator is off the streets and sentenced to life in prison, thanks to work of federal and state law enforcement.
64-year-old Mark Deakins of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was found guilty of numerous charges at trial in May 2023. He was sentenced on March 7, 2024, to life in prison.
Deakins was convicted of raping and sexually assaulting numerous pre-teen and teenage boys in his homes and other locations in the Chattanooga area.
At least one victim was transported across state lines to engage in criminal activities.
The crimes ranged from 1995 to 2018, and many of them were recorded on video. Prosecutors say Deakins had thousands of images and videos, as well as other child sex abuse material from around the world.
“For nearly three decades, Deakins, a repeat sex offender, committed unspeakable crimes against pre-teen and teen boys,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee. “Thanks to the tireless work of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and our prosecutors, this defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting our children through the prosecution of recidivist child predators to the fullest extent of the law.”
Prosecutors say Deakins preyed on young boys desperate for male role models, many of whom did not have a father in their lives, luring them with promises to teach them about construction and tools.
The case was investigated as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2006 to fight child sexual exploitation and abuse.
The FBI was assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service, as well as Tennessee state and local law enforcement.
“Unfortunately, exploitation of youth is a very real and growing issue in our country. The FBI will continue to do everything in its power to ensure children, who are the most vulnerable members of our community, are protected,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico.