Tampa man convicted of sex trafficking 2 minors, production of child sex abuse material

TAMPA, Fla. — A federal jury has found a Florida man guilty of two counts of sex trafficking a minor and one count of production of child sex abuse material following a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa investigation.

Dontae Dajuan Burton, 40, of Tampa, faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Burton was indicted on Nov. 12, 2024.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Burton arranged commercial sexual activity for two minors, ages 16 and 17, by creating and posting ads for them on adult escort websites. Burton handled all communications with clients, scheduled dates, determined the amount of money to be paid for the sex acts, and transported the victims to and from the dates. Burton managed the money and kept approximately half of what the clients had paid for the sex acts. Burton also recorded and edited a video of one of the victims performing a sex act on him.

This case was investigated by HSI Tampa and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry.

HSI Tampa’s area of responsibility, which includes 10 geographically strategic offices, covers more than 51,600 square miles of the total 65,757 square miles in the state of Florida. This region has more than 14.2 million people and includes 58 of the 67 counties. HSI Tampa also includes five of the 10 largest cities in Florida, 15 primary commercial service airports, and 11 seaports.

Learn more about HSI Tampa’s mission to increase public safety in Florida communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSITampa.