Robins Employee Sentenced To Twelve Years For Attempting To Entice A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity And To Send Obscene Matter To A Minor

United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III announces that Steven Craig Deason, Jr., age 40 of Gray, Georgia, was sentenced today to serve 144 months in Federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervision, for attempted online enticement of a minor and attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor. Mr. Deason will also be required to register as a sex offender. U.S. District Court Judge Marc Thomas Treadwell handed down the sentence.

A jury found Mr. Deason guilty on December 9, 2016, following a trial that lasted a week. The evidence presented at trial showed that between January 6, 2016, and February 4, 2016, Mr. Deason, using the alias “Cameron,” chatted online with a person who identified itself as a 14-year-old girl named Amber. In actuality, Amber was an undercover agent. During the course of the chats, Mr. Deason discussed meeting with Amber to engage in sexual activity, to include oral sex and sexual intercourse. Mr. Deason also sent Amber pornographic pictures and videos to get her used to the things they had been talking about and comfortable with sex. Mr. Deason told Amber that he chose pictures where the men appeared older and the females appeared younger to match their age difference. Mr. Deason also instructed Amber how to masturbate, telling her it would make their sexual encounter better.

This case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, with coordination from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Beth Howard and Michael Solis prosecuted the case for the Government.

”The seduction of children is a vile crime and one that is growing in frequency throughout the country and in the Middle District of Georgia,” said United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III. “The predators who attempt to defile our youth in this fashion should take note that law enforcement officers and prosecutors are hunting them just as they are hunting their victims.”

David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “Those who target and sexually exploit children will always be a priority for the FBI and its law enforcement partners. During this investigation, Mr. Deason revealed himself and his intentions to an undercover law enforcement officer and today’s sentencing to a lengthy stay in federal prison reflects the serious predatory nature of his crime.”

"By working with our law enforcement counterparts and prosecutors around the country, the men and women of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations are committed to ensuring safe environments in our communities while bringing justice to young victims by quickly identifying online criminals who attempt to sexually exploit children," said Brig. Gen. Keith M. Givens, AFOSI Commander.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603.