08/25/2026
JURY CONVICTS VICTOR DALE MOORE OF R**E OF A CHILD AND AGGRAVATED SEXUAL BATTERY – Flock LPR cameras lead to capture of defendant who fled after Day One of his r**e of a child trial
KINGSTON, Tenn. — August 25, 2026 — A Roane County jury today found Victor Dale Moore, 62, guilty of R**e of a Child and two counts of Aggravated Sexual Battery, bringing to conclusion an unusual jury trial that was interrupted when Moore fled the jurisdiction after the first day, July 28th, of proof and was taken back up on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
The jury returned guilty verdicts on all three counts:
Count 1 — R**e of a Child
Count 2 — Aggravated Sexual Battery
Count 3 — Aggravated Sexual Battery
Victor Moore had fired both of his court-appointed, taxpayer funded defense attorneys and was representing himself at trial. His opening statement was essentially that “why should a bad decision that only lasted a few seconds ruin my life?”.
District Attorney General Russell Johnson’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to the jurors who served in this case. Jury service is one of the most important responsibilities a citizen can undertake, and these jurors were asked to exercise an extraordinary degree of patience.
Jury trials ordinarily proceed on consecutive days until a verdict is reached. This trial could not. After the jury was selected and the State began presenting its proof, Moore failed to return for the second day of trial and fled the State of Tennessee. Because Moore was ultimately located in Georgia, the proceedings had to be delayed to allow for his apprehension and to account for the possibility that he could contest extradition back to Tennessee.
Despite that extraordinary interruption, the jurors returned today, fulfilled their oath, carefully considered the evidence, and reached their verdict. We are deeply grateful for their patience, attention, and civic duty.
Most importantly, we thank the young victim in this case for her tremendous courage. Coming forward and participating in the criminal justice process is difficult for any victim, particularly a child. Her courage throughout this investigation and prosecution made today’s verdict possible. We also thank her mother for standing beside her, supporting her, and trusting the criminal justice system through a case that took far longer than anyone anticipated.
This prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Edwards, was the result of the work of numerous agencies and professionals. We thank the Roane County Sheriff’s Office, the Child Advocacy Center, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for their work in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
We also extend our appreciation to the law enforcement officials in Georgia whose coordination with Tennessee authorities resulted in Moore’s apprehension and return to face the jury he attempted to avoid.
Moore’s apprehension also demonstrates the real-world public-safety value of Flock automated license plate reader technology. Moore had made his $100,000 bond by a bonding company immediately upon his initial arrest. Thus, he was out of custody leading up to and throughout the first day of trial on July 28th.
When Moore failed to return to court on the morning of July 29th and fled the jurisdiction in the middle of his jury trial, law enforcement was able to utilize Flock technology as part of the effort to track and locate him. Whatever broader policy discussions surround this technology, this case provides a concrete example of how it can assist law enforcement in locating a wanted fugitive quickly and efficiently across jurisdictional and state lines. Technology, used responsibly and for legitimate law-enforcement purposes, can be an invaluable tool for protecting victims, locating fugitives, and ensuring that defendants cannot escape accountability simply by crossing a state line.
Moore is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29, 2026, in Loudon County Criminal Court before Judge Jeffrey Wicks.
For his conviction for R**e of a Child, Moore faces a sentence of 25 to 60 years in the Tennessee Department of Correction. For each conviction for Aggravated Sexual Battery, he faces a sentence of 8 to 12 years. These offenses require 100% service, and Moore will also be subject to community supervision for life following his release from incarceration.
The sentence ultimately imposed will be determined by the Court at the September 29 sentencing hearing.
Assistant District Attorneys Jonathan Edwards and Jed Bassett conducted the first day of proof for the State. After Moore failed to show and was ultimately arrested in Georgia late on the next day, the trial was reset for August 25th by Judge Wicks to account for extradition proceedings. Moore was ultimately extradited back to Tennessee and held in the Roane County Jail pending trial. ADA Jed Bassett was then appointed on August 3rd as Loudon County General Sessions Judge, so ADA Edwards completed the trial on August 25th. Tami Legg was the victim/witness coordinator for the DAG’s Office.
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