Man Caught In Cumberland County Convicted For Sexual Abuse Of Minors

A man captured in Cumberland County who was wanted for sexually assaulting numerous pre-teen and teen boys in Hamilton County was convicted last week for his crimes.  The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office posted to Facebook that Mark Deakins, age 63, had fled from the Chattanooga area and was hiding out in Cumberland County working as a handy man at a local RV park campground.  Sheriff Casey Cox, Chief Deputy Jerry Jackson, Investigator Jason Elmore, Investigator John Wirey, along with FBI Agents located Deakins in a wooded area with his van parked inside  of a large equipment building.  He was apprehended without incident.  On May 11, 2023, Deakins was convicted of multiple charges involving the sexual abuse of minors.  According to evidence presented at trial, Deacons had preyed on young boys for over 20 years. Sentencing has been scheduled for September 28, 2023. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 45 years and a maximum term of life in prison.