TN man facing state, federal child sex crimes charges
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Covington, Tennessee, man is facing state and federal charges after being accused of several child sex crimes.
According to the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, the Tipton County Grand Jury indicted 57-year-old Austin Lineback on violation of the sex offender act and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor.
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The sheriff’s office says the indictment stems from a January 2023 arrest. Lineback reportedly made a $20,000 bond and was released in December 2023.
According to the sheriff’s office, a grand jury in Memphis also handed down a federal indictment for possession of child pornography. Lineback was taken into custody after his March 11 court appearance in Tipton County.
The sheriff’s office says Lineback has since been released into federal custody.
Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley released a statement on Lineback’s arrest.
“I commend the detectives for the hard work and long hours on this case and working with our federal partners to secure the federal charges. Cases involving children as victims are hard to work, but our men and women are proud to work for these victims to bring these perpetrators to justice. Austin Lineback is a convicted, violent sex offender, and as a result of his incarceration, our community is safer. Lineback is right where he needs to be. After his state and federal court proceedings are complete, I hope he has a permanent new address inside a facility and away from society, especially our children.”
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