A federal grand jury has indicted Dazhon Darien, a 32-year-old from Houston, Texas, on multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors. The indictment includes five counts of sexual exploitation of a child, two counts of coercion and enticement of a child, one count of receipt of child sexual abuse material, and four counts of possession of such material.
The announcement was made by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno from the FBI's Baltimore Field Office and Chief Robert McCullough from the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to the indictment details, between July 2023 and July 2024, Darien allegedly persuaded a minor male to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce and transmit child sexual abuse material. He is also accused of enticing two other minor males into prohibited sexual conduct and possessing child sexual abuse materials on internet-based accounts and a digital device.
If found guilty, Darien could face significant prison time: a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years with up to 30 years for each count related to sexual exploitation; a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years with potential life imprisonment for coercion and enticement charges; at least five years with up to 20 years for receiving child sexual abuse material; and up to 20 years for possession charges.
Federal crime sentences often fall short of maximum penalties as they are determined by a judge who considers various guidelines and factors.
It is important to note that an indictment does not equate to guilt. Those charged are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in court proceedings.
This case forms part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. This initiative coordinates efforts across federal, state, and local levels to prosecute offenders while identifying victims.
U.S. Attorney Barron praised both the Baltimore FBI Field Office and Baltimore County Police Department for their investigative work. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine O. Goo and Paul E. Budlow are leading the prosecution efforts.
For further information about Project Safe Childhood or Internet safety education resources can be accessed via www.justice.gov/psc or through community outreach links provided by the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office online presence.