Sumner County Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Insurance Fraud and Elder Abuse

Johnny Ray Jackson, a 55-year-old resident of Sumner County, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for impersonating a licensed professional and financially exploiting an elderly client.

On July 10, 2025, Criminal Court Judge Dee David Gay handed down the sentence, which includes 365 days to be served day-for-day in the Sumner County Jail, followed by nine years of supervision under Community Corrections.

This conviction stems from an investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), revealing Jackson's continued illegal sale of insurance despite his license being revoked in 1999.

Evidence presented in court demonstrated that Jackson fraudulently transferred an elderly client's annuity funds without consent, resulting in significant financial penalties for the client and earning Jackson a commission exceeding $3,000.

Assistant District Attorneys Thomas Dean and Christopher Boiano emphasized Jackson's longstanding pattern of fraudulent behavior and disregard for regulatory compliance, arguing for a custodial sentence to protect the public and deter similar conduct.

Judge Gay concurred, noting Jackson's ongoing risk to the community and denying his request to self-report at a later date, leading to his immediate remand into custody.

The District Attorney General's Office expressed gratitude to TBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jim Scarbro and Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance investigator Rebecca Horne for their dedication and professionalism throughout the case.

Under Tennessee law, impersonating a licensed professional is a felony. The District Attorney's Office remains committed to protecting residents, especially the elderly, from financial exploitation and will continue to pursue incarceration for those who violate public trust and target vulnerable individuals.

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