Duvall, Washington, man awaiting sentencing for possessing images of child sexual abuse, pleads guilty to contacting minor online for illegal images

Seattle – A Duvall, Washington, man who was given a time-served sentence for possessing images of child sexual abuse, pleaded guilty today to a new crime, committed while he was awaiting the earlier sentencing, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Steven Michael Burke, 37, will be sentenced for Attempted Enticement of a Minor on December 8, 2023. Both the defense and prosecution will recommend a ten-year sentence. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentencing allowed by law.

According to the plea agreement, while he was awaiting sentencing for possessing images of child sexual abuse, Burke reached out to an 11-year-old child via an internet program asking the child to send sexually explicit images. Burke also sent the child such images. The crime was discovered after Burke was sentenced for the earlier criminal conduct. 

Attempted Enticement of a Minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison.

Burke has been in custody since his arrest on May 4, 2023.

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson and Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon.