Martin, Tennessee School Teacher Charged in Federal Complaint

March 22, 2010 - MEMPHIS, TN—Stanley Wren Vickers, 44 of Martin, Tennessee, has been charged in a federal complaint with transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity, announced Lawrence J. Laurenzi, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee; My Harrison, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Division; and David Moore, Chief of the Martin Police Department.

According to the complaint, between March 2003 and May 2003, Vickers violated United States Code, Title 18, USC 2423 (a), when he allegedly transported an individual who was under the age of 18 across state lines into Missouri and Kentucky to engage in sexual activity in violation of Missouri and Kentucky laws.

The complaint was filed on March 17, 2010 and Vickers was arrested on the March 18, 2010 in Martin. He had his initial appearance in federal court in Memphis, today, and is scheduled in court on March 24 for a probable cause and detention hearing.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office takes seriously offenses against children and will work diligently to protect the innocence of childhood,” said US Attorney Laurenzi. “The public can be assured that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Tennessee will prosecute violations, as alleged in the case against defendant Vickers, to the fullest extent of the law.”

"It is a priority of the FBI to investigate those who prey on our children," said My Harrison, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "But, those who prey on our children from a position of trust, can be assured that we and our fellow law enforcement agencies will work tirelessly to bring them to justice."

“It is only through citizens who exhibit the courage to come forward to report unlawful activity and the cooperation of public institutions such as our school system that provides law enforcement the ability to enforce the laws and protect our community, “ said Chief Moore.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Martin Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Newsom is handling the case for the government.