A federal grand jury has indicted Dazhon Darien, a 32-year-old from Houston, Texas, on multiple charges related to child sexual exploitation. The indictment includes five counts of sexual exploitation of a child, two counts of coercion and enticement of a child, one count of receipt of child sexual abuse material, and four counts of possession of such material.
The announcement was made by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno from the FBI's Baltimore Field Office and Chief Robert McCullough from the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to the indictment details, between July 2023 and July 2024, Darien allegedly coerced a minor male into sexually explicit activities to produce and distribute child sexual abuse material. He is also accused of enticing two other minors into prohibited sexual conduct and possessing illicit materials on internet-based accounts and digital devices.
If found guilty, Darien faces significant penalties: a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to 30 years for each count of sexual exploitation; 10 years to life imprisonment for each count of coercion and enticement; five to 20 years for receiving abusive material; and up to 20 years for possession charges.
Federal sentencing typically results in penalties less than the maximum allowed by law. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge who will consider various guidelines and factors.
It is important to note that an indictment does not equate to guilt; those charged are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in court proceedings.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation nationwide. The project coordinates resources across federal, state, and local levels to prosecute offenders and assist victims.
U.S. Attorney Barron acknowledged the efforts made by both the Baltimore FBI Field Office and Baltimore County Police Department during this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine O. Goo and Paul E. Budlow are handling prosecution duties for this case.
For further information about Project Safe Childhood or community resources provided by the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, visit their official websites.
