Dante James, a 28-year-old resident of St. Croix, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following his convictions for production of child pornography and second-degree rape. The sentence was handed down by District Judge Wilma Lewis and includes 180 months for the production of child pornography and 84 months for second-degree rape, to be served concurrently. Following his release, James will undergo ten years of supervised release and must pay an $8,000 fine along with a $100 special assessment.

United States Attorney Delia L. Smith emphasized the impact of sexual abuse on the community, stating: “Sexual abuse impacts our entire community and exposes its victims to a lifetime of trauma. It is particularly heinous when sexual predators exploit our young children. We remain committed to fully seeking justice for victims of child exploitation and sexual abuse by prosecuting sex offenders of the law in hopes of creating a safe community for our children.”

Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eugene Thomas highlighted the breach of trust involved in this case: “The defendant’s sexual abuse was also an abuse of trust.” As the victim's former steel pan instructor, James violated his role as a trusted figure. Thomas added that HSI will continue collaborating with the Virgin Islands Police Department to ensure that individuals who prey on minors are held accountable.

During the trial, evidence revealed that between January 1, 2021, and August 23, 2022, James engaged in sexual intercourse with a minor aged 16. He recorded this act using an electronic device transported through interstate and foreign commerce. The victim discovered the recording after it was sent to her via Snapchat by James; despite her request for deletion, it was later posted on social media.

The investigation into this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations alongside the Virgin Islands Police Department. Prosecution efforts were led by Assistant United States Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Everard Potter under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.

For further information about Project Safe Childhood initiatives or resources available under this program visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.