A Knoxville man faces numerous charges stemming from a traffic stop and an investigation involving the sexual exploitation of a 17-year-old girl.
Joseph Gray, 37, has been charged with the following:
- Sexual exploitation of a minor – cause to engage in act (Class B felony)
- Manufacture for delivery to a minor (Class B felony)
- Purchase/possess depiction of a minor in sex act – first offense (Class D felony)
Forgery (Class D felony) - Two counts of possession of controlled substance, cannibidoil – third or subsequent offense (Aggravated misdemeanor)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Simple misdemeanor)
On October 2, court records say an officer from the Knoxville Police Department pulled over a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Gray due to Gray having a suspended driver’s license. A probable cause search was conducted and officers allegedly found a baggie containing one gram of methamphetamine, another baggie with 1.4 grams of marijuana, counterfeit US currency, a THC vape device, a glass smoking pipe, and other drug paraphernalia items.
In a separate investigation that began on November 5, a detective from the Knoxville Police Department executed a search warrant on a device owned by Gray. The criminal complaint states Gray received a picture of a 17-year-old girl in lingerie. After Gray allegedly coerced her, he received a nude image of the girl.
Messages from Gray’s device also alluded to drug use and the victim told authorities that Gray provided her with methamphetamine, according to officials. Court filings say Gray later admitted to “getting her high.”
Gray was arrested on November 5 and transported to the Marion County Jail. His bail has been set for $9,000 in the traffic stop case and $55,000 for the sexual exploitation case.
