Dante James, a 28-year-old resident of St. Croix, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the production of child pornography and second-degree rape. The sentencing was delivered by District Judge Wilma Lewis. James will serve concurrent sentences of 180 months for the production of child pornography and 84 months for second-degree rape. After his release, he will undergo ten years of supervised release, pay a $100 special assessment, and an $8,000 fine.
The verdict came after a federal jury found James guilty on July 12, 2024. United States Attorney Delia L. Smith commented on the case stating, “Sexual abuse impacts our entire community and exposes its victims to a lifetime of trauma. It is particularly heinous when sexual predators exploit our young children."
Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eugene Thomas added that "the defendant’s sexual abuse was also an abuse of trust." As a former steel pan instructor to the victim, James violated his role as a mentor.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that between January 1, 2021, and August 23, 2022, James engaged in sexual activities with a minor aged 16. He recorded these acts using an electronic device that had been shipped across state lines. The victim discovered the recording when it was sent to her via Snapchat by James himself and later posted on social media despite her request for its deletion.
The investigation was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations alongside the Virgin Islands Police Department. The prosecution team included Assistant United States Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Everard Potter.
This case forms part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at tackling child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local entities.
For further details about Project Safe Childhood visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.