A federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Dewitt John on May 7 of sexual exploitation of a child and accessing with intent to view child pornography. The verdict followed a three-day trial before United States Circuit Judge Denny Chin, sitting by designation in the Eastern District of New York. John faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online crimes against children. United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. said, “From behind his computer screen, Dewitt John preyed on vulnerable children online, exploiting their innocence for his own gratification and using cash payments to coerce minors as young as 13 into producing sexually explicit videos of themselves.” Nocella added, “This conviction demonstrates our Office’s unwavering commitment to protecting children from online predators. We will continue working tirelessly to identify and hold accountable those who exploit the most vulnerable members of our community.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr., commented on the victims’ courage: “Dewitt John preyed on these children’s fear and innocence to force them to comply with his depraved demands. These victims bravely faced their fears in court to testify against their abuser to ensure he can’t hurt anyone else. May today’s guilty verdict serve as a warning to other predators that the FBI is determined to hold accountable those who sexually exploit vulnerable children.”
According to evidence presented at trial, in March 2024 John identified a 13-year-old girl through her posts on Reddit disclosing her age. He offered money for photographs and contacted her via Instagram before sending payments through Cash App for sexually explicit videos despite her reluctance. The trial also showed that John targeted another minor using similar methods.
The prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at fighting child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide.
