Memphis, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Roman Sanders, a 20-year-old from Memphis, has been arrested for aggravated statutory rape involving a 14-year-old girl. The charges came to light after the girl’s mother found suspicious messages on her daughter’s phone, leading to an investigation and identification of Sanders. Authorities stress the importance of protecting minors in digital spaces.
Memphis
Roman Sanders, a 20-year-old resident of Memphis, has been arrested on charges of aggravated statutory rape involving a 14-year-old girl. The arrest follows a report of a sexual relationship between the two individuals.
The authorities were alerted to the situation after responding to a disturbance call on May 29 at the 6100 block of Macon Road. The girl’s mother reported that her daughter had run away from home on May 27 but returned two days later, only to raise suspicions regarding her relationship with Sanders.
Upon her return, the girl’s mother discovered suspicious messages on her daughter’s phone that indicated a sexual relationship with the accused. This prompted the mother to contact the police.
During the investigation, the victim disclosed to authorities that she had met Sanders through Instagram two years prior. She stated that she and Sanders engaged in sexual acts on two occasions within the last few months, including one encounter that took place after she ran away from home.
To confirm Sanders’ identity, investigators conducted a six-person photo lineup, in which the young girl successfully identified Sanders as the individual involved in the sexual acts. Following this identification, Sanders was taken into custody.
As of now, no bond has been set for Sanders, and there is no determined court date for the case. The details surrounding the incidents are under investigation, and authorities urge the public to report any relevant information that could assist further.
Background Context
Aggravated statutory rape is a serious charge that involves sexual acts with a person below the age of consent. In Tennessee, the legal age of consent is typically 18 years, which means engaging in sexual acts with someone younger can lead to severe legal consequences for the adult involved.
Cases of this nature highlight concerns regarding the safety and protection of minors in digital spaces, especially with the increasing prevalence of social media. Parents and guardians are reminded of the importance of monitoring children’s online interactions to prevent situations like this from occurring.
Implications
The arrest serves as a reminder to the community about the legal ramifications of adult-minor relationships and the need to protect vulnerable populations. With ongoing investigations, local law enforcement is focused on ensuring justice for the victim and safeguarding others who may be at risk.
FAQ Section
What are the charges against Roman Sanders?
Roman Sanders has been charged with aggravated statutory rape involving a 14-year-old girl.
How did the authorities become aware of the situation?
The authorities were notified following a disturbance call after the victim returned home, where her mother reported finding suspicious messages on her phone.
What relationship did the victim have with Sanders?
The victim met Sanders on Instagram two years prior to the incidents and engaged in sexual acts with him.
What are the legal age requirements in Tennessee?
The legal age of consent in Tennessee is 18 years. Engaging in sexual acts with a minor below this age can result in serious legal consequences.
What is the current status of Roman Sanders?
No bond has been set for Sanders, and no court date has yet been determined.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arresting Officer | Memphis Police |
| Accused Name | Roman Sanders |
| Victim Age | 14 years old |
| Date of Incident | Last sexual act occurred after May 27 |
| Discovery Method | Suspicious messages found on victim’s phone |
| Identification Method | Six-person photo lineup |
| Legal Status | No bond set, court date not determined |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dayton Man Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Minor in Covington
Shocking Crime Stuns Memphis: Teen Girl Kidnapped and Assaulted
Additional Resources
- WREG: Man Accused of Sexual Relationship with 14-Year-Old Girl
- Commercial Appeal: Tennessee Inmate Discipline Board Statutory Rape
- FOX13: Former TN Inmate Disciplinary Board Member Pleads Guilty to Statutory Rape
- Action News 5: Teacher Charged with Attempted Statutory Rape
- Wikipedia: Sexual Offenses in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
