Investigations by the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office implicated two Knoxville men in crimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors.

On Friday BCSO detectives assisted by Knox County Sheriff’s deputies took Robinson Tate Lindsay, 26, and Matthew R. Conard, 22, into custody at their Knoxville homes.   Both were initially held at the Knox County jail and were later turned over to the Bradley County Corrections Division transport unit.

Robinson Tate Lindsay

Lindsay has been charged with soliciting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The investigation revealed he allegedly sent nude photographs to a minor over the Internet.

A separate investigation resulted in charges against Conard of soliciting the sexual exploitation of a minor and solicitation of a minor. He is also charged with sending nude photographs to an underage child over the Internet and additionally is charged with soliciting an underage child for sexual purposes.

Matthew R. Conard

The suspects posted bonds of $5,000 and were released after processing by the booking office staff. Each appeared in court on Tuesday for arraignment and had their next court appearance set for February 9th.

The BCSO was recently awarded federal funding to investigate, arrest, and prosecute predators that are using the Internet to seek out children for illegal purposes.

Sheriff Tim Gobble said citizens can call 423-728-7336 to share information, “regarding the possession, distribution or receipt of child pornography and the online enticement of children for sexual purposes.”  Callers have the option of leaving tips anonymously if they wish.