Federal Sexual Exploitation of Children in Tampa, FL

Tampa, Florida, has become a focal point in the nationwide effort to combat child sexual exploitation. Through rigorous federal enforcement and initiatives like Project Safe Childhood, the Middle District of Florida has prosecuted more than 1,500 individuals for child exploitation offenses. These cases often involve severe federal statutes, such as 18 U.S. Code § 2251, which addresses the sexual exploitation of children. That’s why you’ll need a Tampa lawyer for federal sexual exploitation of children if you’ve been accused of this crime. 

Under 18 U.S. Code § 2251, individuals who employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct face stringent penalties. Convictions can result in imprisonment ranging from 15 to 30 years. Enhanced sentences apply for repeat offenders, with penalties escalating to life imprisonment for those with multiple prior convictions.

Several high-profile cases in Tampa highlight the severe legal consequences of such offenses. We are briefly highlighting just some of those cases from the last few years:

• Andre Eugene Favreau (2016): Having pled guilty on January 27, 2016, Favreau received a 25-year sentence for online enticement of a minor and transportation and receipt of child pornography. His computer contained more than 140 images and 85 videos of child pornography, and he had been distributing such material online.
• Demetrius Reddick (2023): After pleading guilty on September 13, 2022, Reddick was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to coerce and entice a minor into participating in sexual activity. He had engaged in online communications with an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl and traveled to meet her with the intent to engage in sexual activities.
• Dontae Dajuan Burton (2025): Indicted on November 12, 2024, Burton was convicted of sex trafficking two minors and producing child sex abuse material. He arranged commercial sexual activities for the minors by creating and posting ads on adult escort websites, managing communications with clients, and transporting the victims to and from appointments. He faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.

As is clear in these examples, the sexual exploitation of children is a federal offense, which comes with severe consequences. 

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida, in collaboration with agencies like Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa, the FBI, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, actively investigates and prosecutes child exploitation cases day in and day out. HSI's Operation Predator, an international initiative launched in 2003, has been instrumental in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in the sexual exploitation of children. Our legal team works closely with these agencies in getting criminals of such heinous crimes off the streets. 

The public plays a crucial role in combating child exploitation. Suspected cases can be reported to HSI's 24-hour tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. These resources are vital in the ongoing effort to protect children and bring perpetrators to justice.

The legal consequences of federal sexual exploitation of children in Tampa are severe, reflecting the gravity with which the justice system treats such offenses. Through stringent federal statutes, dedicated law enforcement efforts, and public vigilance, Tampa continues to be at the forefront of protecting children from exploitation and ensuring that offenders face substantial legal repercussions. At Hanlon Law, we do not take this lightly. 

If you or someone you know has been wrongfully accused of exploiting children in Tampa, you’ll need the legal assistance of a strong criminal defense attorney with experience in this area. Attorney Will Hanlon is the one you want to call since the right representation is necessary in order to secure a fair resolution.

If you are in the Tampa area, call Hanlon Law today at 813-228-7095 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.