Athens, Tn., Man Who Induced 12-Year-Old Girl To Send Him Nude Photos Gets 200 Months In Federal Prison

  • Thursday, September 11, 2014

An Athens, Tn., man who authorities say induced a 12-year-old girl to send him nude photos of herself has been sentenced to 200 months in federal prison.

Jermany Claus, 41, appeared before Judge Curtis Collier.

The sentencing range was 188-235 months.

Prosecutor Terra Bay said Claus gave the girl a cell phone and paid for her minutes. He was working a seasonal zoo job in Maine when she sent him the pictures from Tennessee.

The attorney for Claus. Wesley Izell, asked for leniency, saying Claus suffers from a syndrome that gives him feminine qualities, including female-size breasts.

He said that causes other inmates to humiliate and attack him. He said a recent altercation left him with a large scar.

Attorney Izell said Claus has a supportive wife, but he said theirs is an "open marriage." He said Claus is able to engage in sex with other men.

Prosecutor Bay said Claus is 5'10" and 260 pounds and should be able to protect himself in prison.

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