A Sterling Heights man was sentenced to more than 30 years in federal prison after having been convicted in January by a jury of producing child pornography and enticing a minor online, announced United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade.
McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Dennis George Dehate, 51, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Sean Cox in Detroit.
Evidence presented during the trial established that DeHate preyed upon a 13-year-old girl, convincing her to produce sexually explicit images and videos for him. DeHate used the text message application, KIK, to communicate with the child, who lived out of state.
“Cell phone technology now provides a virtual doorway for sexual predators to enter children’s bedrooms from many states away," McQuade said. “We urge parents to talk to their children about the dangers of communicating with strangers online, and to assure children that if they are victimized, they should never be ashamed to ask for help."
“The sentencing of Dehate is a tremendous victory for the many investigators, counselors and non-government organizations tirelessly working to protect our nation’s children from online threats. The fight to eradicate such predators continues and the FBI asks anyone with information regarding such activity to immediately contact their nearest FBI field office or law enforcement agency," Gelios said.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maggie Smith.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
