Lookout Mountain Man Arraigned on Fourth Federal Count of Transporting Minors Across State Lines for Sex
Chattanooga, Tennessee
James Coleman Thompson, a 72-year-old resident of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, faced a fourth federal count in **U.S. District Court** in Chattanooga on Friday. Thompson is accused of taking teen boys across state lines for sex, adding another serious allegation to his case.
The new count involves a third alleged victim and is said to have occurred between 1999 and 2000. Thompson, who pled not guilty to the newest charge, appeared before **District Magistrate Christopher H. Steger**. He was represented by Chattanooga lawyer Lee Davis while the **U.S. Attorney’s Office** was represented by James T. Brooks.
Details of the Hearing
Thompson, escorted by a U.S. marshal, appeared in court dressed in a light brown prison uniform, handcuffed, and shackled. He now sports a full beard and shorter hair, a contrast from previous appearances. The courtroom saw the presence of three attendants who conversed with Brooks post-hearing.
The indictment alleges that Thompson’s actions, now including a new incident from 1999 or 2000, occurred between **September and November 2000**. Thompson faces up to 15 years in prison on each count if convicted.
A Breakdown of the Charges
Thompson is charged under federal law prohibiting the transport of minors for sex-related offenses. Here’s a closer look:
- **Count 1**: Transporting a minor for an act that could lead to second-degree sexual abuse and sodomy charges in Alabama.
- **Count 2**: Transporting a minor for an act leading to second-degree sexual abuse charges, also under Alabama law.
- **Count 3**: Transporting a minor for an act potentially resulting in a sexual battery charge in Tennessee.
- **Count 4**: The newest count involves transporting a minor for an act that could lead to oral sexual battery charges under Louisiana law.
What’s Next?
A plea bargain deadline has been set for **September 30**, with a jury trial scheduled for **October 21** if no agreement is reached. Final pretrial hearings and jury instruction deadlines are scheduled for **October 15**.
Thompson had previously pled not guilty to the first three counts on June 7. Meanwhile, the **FBI** continues to seek further victims who may have been associated with Thompson. The allegations span from the 1990s to the present, focusing on males aged 10 to 15 involved in youth wrestling and hunting programs.
Ongoing Investigations
Thompson owns a 160-acre property in Western Oklahoma, where he allegedly hosted local families and their boys for hunting trips. Following his arrest, Thompson transferred ownership of his home on Scenic Highway to his wife, Margaret, for $0.
The FBI urges anyone with information to contact their **Chattanooga office** or make a report online. Thompson remains in custody without bond as the investigation continues.
If you have any information, please call the FBI’s Chattanooga office at 423-265-3601 or submit a report at tips.fbi.gov.
