Attorney General Lynn Fitch Announces Sentencing of Mendenhall Man for Possessing CSAM

Mendenhall, Mississippi) Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the recent sentencing of Anthony James “A.J.” Brownell of Mendenhall, Mississippi, for one count of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office and originated as a Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

“Predators who exploit children in Mississippi will be held accountable for their crimes,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “Our investigation in this case uncovered more than 500 images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Each time an image or video is viewed, a child who has suffered unthinkable abuse is revictimized. If you suspect a child is being exploited or abused, please report it to my office. Your tip could save a life."

On October 1, 2026, Simpson County Circuit Court Judge Stanley Sorey sentenced Brownell to 40 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), with 7 years to serve day-for-day, without possibility of parole, 5 years of supervised probation, and 10 years of unsupervised probation. He was also ordered to pay $1,000 to the Mississippi Children’s Trust Fund, $1,000 to the Mississippi Crime Victim Compensation Fund, and $1,000 to the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund. Brownell will have to register as a sex offender upon release.