Brandon Stevens, age 35, was sentenced on May 6 to thirty-two years in federal prison for traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and production of child pornography. The sentencing was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Heekin said: “Cases like this are a parent’s worst nightmare, and they are a reminder of the ever-present threats kids face online from sexual predators like this defendant preying upon their innocence and seeking to sexually exploit them. I am incredibly proud of the outstanding investigative work performed by our state and federal law enforcement partners to catch this predator, and even prouder of the aggressive prosecution by my office to deliver justice for the child victim and send this sick individual to prison for decades to come.”
According to court documents, Stevens lied about his name and age while communicating online with a 15-year-old victim. After several months of conversation, he traveled from Pennsylvania to Florida intending to engage in illicit sexual conduct with her. Between February 2024 and April 2025, he induced her into multiple sexual encounters despite being more than twice her age. Some encounters were recorded on his cell phone.
After serving his sentence, Stevens will be subject to supervised release for life and must register as a sex offender. Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingengo said: “This predator manipulated, deceived, and exploited a vulnerable child for his own gratification. His calculated actions, lying about his identity, traveling across state lines, and recording his abuse demonstrate a chilling disregard for human decency and the law. Thirty-two years in federal prison reflects the severity of his crimes and serves as a warning to anyone who targets children for sexual exploitation. HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue, prosecute, and remove these predators from society.”
The case resulted from an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations together with Dixie County Sheriff’s Office; prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice that brings together resources at all levels aimed at combating child exploitation online through coordination among agencies such as U.S. Attorney's Offices—according to information available on the official website. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida enforces federal laws—including those protecting civil rights—across its jurisdiction covering twenty-three counties including Tallahassee; it collaborates with local agencies through initiatives like Project Safe Childhood.the official website
