TAMPA, Fla. – A federal jury has convicted 40-year-old Dontae Dajuan Burton of Tampa on charges of sex trafficking minors and producing child sexual abuse material following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa. Burton faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Burton was indicted on November 12, 2024, after evidence presented at trial revealed he orchestrated commercial sexual activity for two minors, aged 16 and 17. According to court documents, Burton created and posted advertisements for the victims on adult escort websites, handled communications with clients, scheduled appointments, and determined the prices for sex acts.
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He also transported the victims to and from the encounters, managed the money earned, and kept approximately half of the proceeds for himself.
In addition to the sex trafficking charges, Burton was found guilty of producing child sexual abuse material. Evidence showed that he recorded and edited a video of one of the victims performing a sex act on him.
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The case was investigated by HSI Tampa and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry leading the prosecution. HSI Tampa, which oversees a vast area of responsibility spanning 58 counties and more than 51,600 square miles in Florida, plays a critical role in combating human trafficking and other serious crimes in the region.
Burton remains in custody pending his sentencing hearing. The court will determine his final sentence based on federal guidelines and the severity of his crimes.
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