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Press Release

Mauk Man Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography Charge

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Georgia

COLUMBUS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Steven Derek Dukes, age 35, of Mauk, Georgia, entered a guilty plea to Receipt of Child Pornography on September 5, 2018.  The plea was entered before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land in Columbus, Georgia.  This plea subjects Mr. Dukes to a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years, up to a maximum of twenty (20) years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.  Furthermore, as a condition of his supervised release after he is released from federal prison, Mr. Dukes shall register with the state sex offender registration agency in any state where Mr. Dukes resides, is employed, works, or is a student.

In his plea agreement, Mr. Dukes admitted that he had exchanged emails with an individual under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in which the two discussed their past sexual experiences and fantasies involving young boys.  Mr. Dukes also admitted to exchanging files of child pornography with the individual under FBI investigation.  On May 5, 2018, FBI agents executed a search warrant and seized Mr. Dukes’ computer.  Subsequent forensic analysis revealed numerous depictions of child pornography on electronic devices seized from Mr. Dukes’ residence.  Thereafter, Mr. Dukes waived his Miranda rights and confessed to sending, receiving, and possessing child pornography. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

Updated September 7, 2018

Topic
Project Safe Childhood