Tampa Republic

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the unsealing of an indictment charging Dontae Burton (39, Tampa) with sex trafficking of a minor. If convicted, Burton faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

According to court documents, Burton coordinated commercial sex acts on behalf of a minor victim after posting photographs of her on adult escort websites. Burton allegedly informed the minor victim about how the dates worked and the portion of money he would receive from them. He also transported the minor victim for these dates and received proceeds from her commercial sexual activity.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

If you suspect human trafficking, call the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP. Callers may remain anonymous. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.