KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – An East Tennessee man and woman have been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Federal authorities identified the defendants as 21-year-old Darrison Hood of Wartburg and 24-year-old Keirsten Hooper of Sunbright.
According to court documents, the investigation began after a juvenile girl reported receiving a video through Snapchat from an unknown account. Investigators determined the video depicted the victim in an intoxicated state while being sexually assaulted by Hood and Hooper. Authorities said a firearm was also visible during the assault.
The investigation involved the FBI, the Ninth Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators later executed a search warrant at Hood’s residence, where they recovered the firearm seen in the video. According to the Department of Justice, Hood admitted to investigators that he owned the gun, recorded the video and sent it to the victim through Snapchat. Authorities said Hood told investigators he later deleted the recording.
As part of a plea agreement, Hood and Hooper each pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child.
On Thursday, a federal judge sentenced both defendants to 15 years in prison.
Following their release from custody, Hood and Hooper will be placed on 10 years of supervised release. They will also be required to comply with all federal and state sex offender registration requirements.
Federal officials said the case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes involving the exploitation of children.
