FBI searching for Oklahoma-based victims in Tennessee child exploitation case

BECKHAM COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) — The FBI is looking to identify potential victims in a federal child exploitation case out of Knoxville, Tenn., that may have ties to Oklahoma.

James Coleman Thompson, 71, was indicted by a grand jury in Knoxville on June 5 for allegedly taking minors across state lines with the intent of engaging in sexual activity in September and November 2000.

Thompson could face a maximum of 15 years in prison, up to a $350,000 fine, and three years on supervised released if convicted.

The FBI believes there may be additional victims in the case who still have not been identified. The bureau says potential victims would most likely include males from the 1990s to the present who were between the ages of 10 and 15, and involved in various youth wrestling programs or youth hunting organizations.

Investigators also suspect there could be Oklahoma-based victims in the case, after finding that Thompson purchased a 160-acre property in Beckham County near Sayre. Thompson is said to have visited the property for weeks at a time, and would have local families and their boys help out with hunts.

If you believe you or someone you know could be a victim in this case, contact the FBI Chattanooga office at 423-265-3601 or tips.fbi.gov.