Sumner County, Tennessee – A former elementary school custodian has been sentenced to decades in prison following a conviction tied to the attempted exploitation of a student, according to officials.
According to the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, the case began after a student reported concerning behavior involving a school employee. Authorities said the report led to an investigation by school resource officers and detectives.
Investigators identified the suspect as 57-year-old Tracy Lee Crews of Portland. Officials said Crews allegedly attempted to exploit a fifth-grade student, prompting charges and a broader investigation into his actions.
A jury ultimately convicted Crews on 38 counts related to the case. Following the conviction, Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Nichols sentenced him to 62 years in prison. Officials said the sentence does not include the possibility of probation, parole, or early release.
Prosecutors argued that the severity of the crimes, along with Crews’ position of trust within a school setting, warranted a lengthy sentence to protect the public. Authorities also noted that the investigation included forensic analysis of digital evidence.
Officials credited the student’s decision to come forward as a critical factor in the case, along with coordinated efforts by law enforcement and prosecutors.
The Sumner County Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to protecting children and holding offenders accountable.
