Photographer Accused in Child Porn Case
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PERRY COUNTY, Tenn.- One well known photographer in Lobelville, is accused of abusing his power with children behind the lens. After a joint effort between Perry County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, officials have federally charged Robert Gregory Dempsey with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of interstate transportation of child pornography. Investigators said Dempsey, also known online as Jessie Rockwell with “Rockwell Photography” owned and operated most of his business online. “It appeared to have been an opportunity for him to access maybe additional victims,” said Inv. Johnny Hilburn, Perry County Sheriff’s Office. “We are hoping for cooperation from the public, there could be more victims out there.” Dempsey/Rockwell is accused of taking inappropriate images that sexually exploited children. The report was received from law Enforcement officials in Utah where deputies believe the images were produced then transported across state lines to his home in Lobelville. “I’m surprised down here I mean this is a retirement more or less community,” said neighbor Greg Riley. “It’s mostly a vacation spot but there are a lot of kids down there.” Investigators said two victims came forward as adults, reporting to authorities that Dempsey had taken the pictures years ago. After searching Dempsey’s home, authorities said there was enough evidence found within his home studio to file charges. “It’s not uncommon for children who have been victimized to wait years, you have to understand this is a situation that breaks down all kinds of trust barriers,” said Hilburn. Neighbors said Dempsey was a wel- known, prominent member of the community. An aspiring musician, who performed at various venues across West Tennessee, including Nashville and Perry County. “Generally speaking when you see situations like this everybody thought, ‘oh it’s a nice guy’ and they thought the world of him, always nice and helpful. It’s not uncommon for people like this to be in trusted positions,” said Hilburn. Deputies said they believe the images taken were for personal use. If convicted of these charges, Dempsey could face up to 20 years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000 on each count. The sheriff’s department is still looking into the possibility of there being more victims in this case.
