A Texas man was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison this week after pleading guilty to traveling across state lines to engage in sexual activity with a minor in Lowndes County.
Tanner Stinson, 42, of Whitney, Texas, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi to one count of interstate travel to engage in sex with a minor. He was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison, according to court documents from the case.
The charges stem from a 2024 investigation by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office after Stinson traveled from Texas to Caledonia to engage in sexual activity with a 15-year-old he had met through TikTok, an LCSO press release said.
Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins told The Dispatch the victim’s mother had contacted LCSO in August 2024 after the victim disclosed the sexual encounters. In a forensic interview conducted by LCSO at Sally Kate Winters Family Services in West Point, the victim confirmed that Stinson had traveled to Caledonia once, during which they engaged in sexual activity on two occasions. The victim also confirmed a third sexual encounter which occurred in Belton, Texas, the press release said.
LCSO filed charges against Stinson for sexual battery on Sept. 29, and Stinson was detained in Hill County Jail in Texas on Dec. 2 for an unrelated charge of indecency with a child, according to the Hill County Sheriff’s Office.
Stinson was still in custody when a warrant for his arrest was issued Jan. 15, a day after a federal grand jury indicted him. Stinson accepted a plea agreement March 14.
Stinson still faces pending charges in both Lowndes County and Hill County, Texas, the press release said.
Following his release from federal custody, Stinson will serve 10 years on probation and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Hawkins said this case highlights the dangers children face online and urged parents to remain vigilant.
“Parents and guardians, this is a reminder to take a closer look at your children’s cell phones and social media accounts to help prevent harmful situations,” Hawkins wrote in the release. “Predators are out there, trying to exploit our children. It is important for parents to set up parental controls on their child’s devices and to check these devices regularly. This is the best way to ensure their safety online.”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
