Jackson County man sentenced for exploitation of a child - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Jackson County man sentenced for exploitation of a child

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By WLOX Staff - email
John Alexander Parker (Photo source: MS Dept. of Corrections) John Alexander Parker (Photo source: MS Dept. of Corrections)
JACKSON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -

A Jackson County man accused of asking a 13-year-old to send him sexually explicit images was sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday.

John Alexander Parker, 37, must serve 25 years of that sentence day for day with five years on post release supervision.

Prosecutors said a cybertip from an internet service provider first alerted authorities to Parker's illegal activity.

"We are fortunate that Mr. Parker's preying on this child was caught before he could act further on his lust for this child," Assistant District Attorney Angel Myers said. "The internet is a doorway into our home, through which anyone can enter and have access to our children.  Mr. Parker seized the opportunity to use the internet to gain access to this child for his own sexual purposes.  Judge Krebs' sentencing today demonstrates that our courts recognize the seriousness of these crimes and I'm proud the victim received justice and that the children in our community will be protected from Mr. Parker."

This isn't Parker's first time in trouble with the law. He was convicted five years ago on two counts of sexual battery and touching of a child for lustful purposes.  

"Mr. Parker's history of sexual abuse of children and his use of the internet to victimize another child warranted this sentence, which combined with his revocation means Mr. Parker will spend 35 years day for day in jail," District Attorney Tony Lawrence said. "We will continue to hold accountable those individuals who prey on our children to fulfill their depraved sexual desires."

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