Anthony James Deason, a former teacher and coach at Tahlequah Public Schools in Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by eight years of supervised release. The sentence comes after Deason pleaded guilty to one count of attempted receipt of certain material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
The investigation was conducted by the Tahlequah Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. According to authorities, between October 26 and October 30, 2023, Deason used social media to contact two students he knew were minors, requesting explicit images in exchange for money and gift cards. He also sent an unsolicited explicit image of himself to one victim. Both minors refused his requests.
The crime took place in Cherokee County within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. "This case serves as a stark reminder for kids and parents that the internet is often used by persons with evil intentions to exploit and victimize," stated United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. He commended the students and families who reported Deason's actions, leading to his arrest.
Deason's case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project brings together federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
Authorities urge anyone with information on child sexual exploitation or related crimes to contact law enforcement immediately through various channels including NCMEC or Homeland Security Investigations.
Chief U.S. District Judge Eric F. Melgren presided over the hearing. Deason will remain under U.S. Marshals Service custody until he is transported to a designated Bureau of Prisons facility.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara McAmis represented the United States in this case.
