Brooklyn Man Convicted of Sexual Exploitation of a Child

 

Defendant Groomed 13-Year-Old Girls He Met Online and Paid Them to Produce Sexually Explicit Videos and Photos

Earlier today, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Dewitt John on both counts of a superseding indictment charging him with sexual exploitation of a child and accessing with intent to view child pornography.  The verdict was returned after a three-day trial before United States Circuit Judge Denny Chin, sitting in the Eastern District of New York by designation. When sentenced, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment. 
 
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the verdict.

“From behind his computer screen, Dewitt John preyed on vulnerable children online, exploiting their innocence for his own gratification and using cash payments to coerce minors as young as 13 into producing sexually explicit videos of themselves,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This conviction demonstrates our Office’s unwavering commitment to protecting children from online predators. We will continue working tirelessly to identify and hold accountable those who exploit the most vulnerable members of our community.”

“Dewitt John preyed on these children’s fear and innocence to force them to comply with his depraved demands.  These victims bravely faced their fears in court to testify against their abuser to ensure he can’t hurt anyone else.  May today’s guilty verdict serve as a warning to other predators that the FBI is determined to hold accountable those who sexually exploit vulnerable children,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

As proved at trial, in or about March 2024, John identified a 13-year-old girl who had posted photographs of herself on a Reddit forum and whose posts disclosed her age.  John offered to pay the girl for her for photographs and then initiated contact on Instagram.  John proceeded to groom the victim by sending her money through Cash App in exchange for sexually explicit videos of herself.  Despite the victim expressing discomfort and reluctance to comply, John continued to pressure and coerce her into producing the material.  During the course of this conduct, John sent the victim explicit and graphic messages describing the sexual acts he wanted her to perform.

As further demonstrated at trial, John also targeted a second 13-year-old minor victim through similar online methods, grooming her and inducing her to send him naked images of herself for his gratification. 
 
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.