URGENT UPDATE: A 21-year-old man from the District of Columbia has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse materials, following a guilty plea on September 17, 2024. Stevenson Allen, who used the online alias “prettyboi,” was also ordered to pay $31,500 in restitution to his victims, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The case against Allen has drawn critical attention due to its disturbing details. On July 17, 2024, the FBI initiated an investigation after a user on a messaging platform reported Allen for encouraging the sexual abuse of a minor. Over a span of several weeks, he solicited and exchanged over 300 explicit images, including several depicting the sexual assault of young children.
Judge Trevor N. McFadden delivered the sentence, marking a significant moment in the ongoing battle against child exploitation. The investigation revealed that Allen utilized his iPhone to communicate with various users, maintaining 17 chat threads filled with graphic content. A search warrant executed on September 12, 2024, at his residence in Southeast Washington, D.C., produced evidence that highlighted the extent of his criminal activities.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child exploitation. The initiative, along with the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes FBI agents and local detectives, is dedicated to investigating those who prey on children. Allen’s arrest came after the task force acted on the report from the messaging platform user who cooperated with authorities, leading to his prosecution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca G. Ross prosecuted the case, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in preventing such egregious crimes. This sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of child exploitation and the vital role that community members play in reporting suspicious activities.
For more information on how to get involved in preventing child exploitation, visit the Project Safe Childhood website, which offers resources for education and awareness.
The ramifications of Allen’s actions are profound, affecting not only his victims but the community at large. This case underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and action against child exploitation.
As the investigation continues, authorities encourage anyone with information related to child exploitation to report it immediately. The fight against these heinous crimes is far from over, and every report matters.
