S. Lane Tucker, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office District of Alaska
An Anchorage man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for producing child pornography involving a minor. Donteh Devoe, 46, will also serve 15 years on supervised release following his imprisonment.
Court documents reveal that the victim, a 16-year-old girl from Oregon, moved to Alaska in 2019 and began living with Devoe. During this time, he sexually abused her and convinced her that their relationship was legal due to her age.
The victim confided in a friend about the abuse, describing it as "dating and having sex" with Devoe. She also reported instances of physical abuse and receiving sexually explicit messages from him during school hours. The friend's report to law enforcement led to an investigation.
In February 2020, authorities obtained search warrants for electronic accounts belonging to both Devoe and the victim. They found sexually explicit conversations between them, including directives from Devoe for the victim to send him explicit photos.
Devoe pleaded guilty on November 15, 2024, to one count of production of child pornography. U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman emphasized the lasting harm caused by Devoe's actions and commended those involved in securing justice: “Mr. Devoe used emotional and physical manipulation... I want to thank the investigators... I also want to commend the victim for showing extraordinary bravery."
Special Agent Rebecca Day highlighted the betrayal involved: “Through manipulation and a betrayal of trust... The sexual abuse and exploitation of children is inexcusable."
Christopher Barraza from the Anchorage Police Department noted their commitment: “Our officers... worked diligently... Today’s sentencing is a testament to the dedication of those who seek justice."
The case was investigated by the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Ivers and Ainsley McNerney prosecuted this case.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
