Devin Ravine, also known as Derek Johnson, a 20-year-old from Riverside, California, was arrested last Friday on charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge at the Albany Field Office of the FBI, announced the arrest.
A criminal complaint alleges that from March 30 to April 1, 2025, Ravine coerced a minor in Rensselaer County to create and send child sexual abuse material over the Internet. The charges are accusations at this stage, and Ravine is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
United States Attorney Sarcone said, “This case is the result of what I like to call ‘Operation It’s Not Your Fault’—FBI agents visit schools all over the Northern District of New York to educate students about internet safety and sextortion. Our hope is to help students avoid these terrible situations, and also to encourage them to come forward if they believe they are a victim of a crime. Students may be embarrassed, ashamed, feeling that they’re at fault, afraid to tell their parents, and one of our messages is – no, it’s not your fault, and you should tell us if there are predators who have targeted you.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli noted, “This case truly exemplifies the strength and reach of the FBI. It should also put predators on notice, as it doesn’t matter where you’re committing these heinous crimes, we will use every resource we have to find you and ensure you can never hurt another child again.”
Ravine had an initial court appearance in the Central District of California and faces a detention hearing soon. If convicted, he could face a sentence of 15 to 30 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, and a mandatory registration as a sex offender upon release, among other penalties.
This case is being pursued as part of Project Safe Childhood, a national effort to tackle child sexual exploitation and abuse, supported by federal, state, and local agencies. More information on Project Safe Childhood is available at the Department of Justice's website.
