Covington man pleads guilty to 10 counts of rape of a child, aggravated sexual abuse

A 42-year-old Covington man pleaded guilty to 10 counts of rape of a child and aggravated sexual abuse in Tipton County Circuit Court Monday afternoon. 

Wearing a dri-fit coat and jeans, Frederick Barrell IV hung his head and rubbed his palms over his face as private details of the events in which he abused a 9-year-old were read aloud in open court. 

Barrell’s case first came to the attention of law enforcement when he was suicidal, according to court documents.

He told his counselor he’d molested the child three times, however the child recounted more than three instances. 

Assistant District Attorney General Walt Freeland noted the child was not biologically related to Barrell, a detail he said seemed important to Barrell. 

His LinkedIn profile lists his occupation as a senior analyst and vice president of a technical consulting firm. He was formerly a coach with a recreational soccer league in South Tipton County. 

Barrell will serve 25 years in prison, a sentence which must be served day-for-day without the possibility of release until 2044. An 8-year sentence for the aggravated sexual battery offenses will be served concurrent to the 25-year sentence. 

“Like all sexual crimes and crimes against children, this is a very disturbing case,” said Sheriff J.T. “Pancho” Chumley, “Twenty five years in prison will not restore the innocence of the victim, but it will prevent Barrell from victimizing other children.”

Barrell was booked into the Tipton County Correctional Facility at the end of his hearing. He will be transferred into the custody of the Tennessee Department of Corrections. 

The case was investigated by the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office.

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