Robins Employee Convicted On Child Porn Charges

United States Attorney G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III announces that Steven Craig Deason, Jr., age 40 of Gray, Georgia, was found guilty of one count of attempted online enticement of a minor and six counts of attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor. A jury, sitting in the Middle District of Georgia, found Mr. Deason guilty on December 9, 2016 following a trial that lasted a week. U.S. District Court Judge Marc Thomas Treadwell was the presiding judge.

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.

Upon his conviction, Mr. Deason was taken into the custody of the United States Marshals. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Mr. Deason faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, up to the possibility of life imprisonment, on the attempted online enticement of a minor charge. Each of the attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor charges carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. Mr. Deason will also be required to register as a sex offender.

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.”

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