A Millersville man will spend the rest of his life in prison. A Sumner County judge sentenced Ian Dakota Jarrett, 30, to 98 years for sexually abusing a child over more than two years.
Judge Dee David Gay imposed the sentence on Saturday, Oct. 3, ordering Jarrett to the Tennessee Department of Correction with no chance for probation, parole or early release, according to WSMV.
A Sumner County jury convicted Jarrett in August following a three-day trial. The charges included continuous sexual abuse of a child, four counts of exploitation of a minor under 13 by electronic means and four counts of aggravated sexual battery.
Sumner County District Attorney General Thomas Dean said Jarrett was not eligible for the death penalty, but the sentence ensures he will die in prison.
How the case unfolded
The case began in November 2024 when a 10-year-old girl told a trusted adult that Jarrett had been sexually abusing her. That adult contacted the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, which launched an investigation with the Millersville Police Department.
According to investigators cited by WSMV, Jarrett began grooming the victim when she was 8 years old by showing her pornography on his phone. Over the following two years, the abuse escalated to inappropriate touching and other sexual contact.
Dean said the victim reported the abuse after she began struggling emotionally.
A Sumner County grand jury indicted Jarrett, and he was arrested in January 2025.
How investigators built the case
The investigation included a forensic interview at Ashley's Place, Sumner County's Child Advocacy Center. Department of Children's Services Case Worker Hailey Ghadiri and OurKids Medical Clinic also supported the case, according to FOX 17.
At the time of his August conviction, Jarrett faced up to 116 years in prison. The 98-year sentence fell below that maximum but still guarantees life behind bars. No information about an appeal has been announced.
Residents who suspect child abuse or neglect can contact the Tennessee Department of Children's Services hotline at 1-877-237-0004 or the Millersville Police Department.
