An Anchorage man, Donteh Devoe, 46, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for producing child pornography involving a 16-year-old victim. The sentence also includes 15 years of supervised release.
Court documents reveal that the victim moved from Oregon to Alaska in 2019 and began living with Devoe. During this time, he sexually abused her and misled her into believing the acts were legal due to her age. The victim later confided in a friend about the abuse and physical harm she suffered, which led to law enforcement intervention.
In February 2020, authorities obtained search warrants for electronic accounts belonging to both Devoe and the victim. This investigation uncovered explicit conversations where Devoe instructed the victim to send him sexually explicit photos on September 30 and October 1, 2019.
Devoe pleaded guilty on November 15, 2024, to one count of production of child pornography. U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman emphasized the severe impact of Devoe's actions and commended those involved in bringing him to justice: “Mr. Devoe used emotional and physical manipulation... Our office will continue our strong partnerships with law enforcement.”
Special Agent Rebecca Day from the FBI Anchorage Field Office stated: “Through manipulation... [Devoe] emotionally, physically, and sexually abused a minor.” She reinforced that such exploitation is unacceptable within Alaska's law enforcement community.
Christopher Barraza from the Anchorage Police Department highlighted their commitment to ensuring justice for victims: “Our officers... worked diligently to bring this case to a resolution.”
The case was investigated by the FBI Anchorage Field Office alongside local police as part of an initiative targeting child exploitation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Ivers and Ainsley McNerney prosecuted the case under Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood aims to combat child sexual exploitation nationwide through collaboration between federal, state, and local resources.