A federal jury in Tampa, Florida, has convicted Dontae Dajuan Burton of two counts of sex trafficking minors and one count of producing child sex abuse material. Burton, aged 40, faces a minimum sentence of 15 years to life in federal prison. The sentencing date is yet to be determined. He was indicted on November 12, 2024.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Burton arranged commercial sexual activities for two minors, aged 16 and 17. He created and posted advertisements for them on adult escort websites. Burton managed all client communications, scheduled appointments, set prices for the services, and transported the victims to and from their engagements. He controlled the finances, retaining about half of the payments made by clients for these acts. Additionally, he recorded and edited a video involving one victim performing a sex act with him.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project involves collaboration among federal, state, and local resources to locate offenders who exploit children and rescue victims. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry is prosecuting the case.