Former DC Teacher Arrested and Charged with Soliciting Child Pornography, DOJ Announces
Former D.C. health teacher Devonne Keith Brown faces charges of soliciting child pornography through CashApp payments.
A former Washington, D.C. schoolteacher is facing serious federal charges after being arrested by the FBI for allegedly soliciting child pornography from a minor in Maryland. Devonne Keith Brown, 56, who taught health at IDEA Public Charter School, was taken into custody following an investigation involving communications with a young girl in Prince George's County.
According to prosecutors, Brown is accused of soliciting child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and using the digital payment platform CashApp to send funds to the minor. As outlined in court documents, one transaction included a message stating, "for snacks ? more photos otw," accompanying a $15 request sent by the minor. Investigators allege that Brown conducted repeated communications with the child, exchanging illicit messages and images.
The minor reportedly told investigators she had met a man going by the name "Joseph" at a grocery store near her residence. Authorities say this individual later sent her money for ice cream using CashApp, and, after further exchanges on social media, solicited nude images of the girl. Investigators also assert that the man, who used the alias "Joseph," sent the minor sexually explicit photographs of other women and encouraged her to replicate them.
During the investigation, authorities discovered a series of sexually graphic images and videos in emails that were sent to Brown by minors. The disturbing allegations have prompted strong reactions from both law enforcement and the accused man's former employer. Assistant Director in Charge Steven Jensen stated, "Those who prey on minors to solicit the production of CSAM are morally reprehensible and will be held accountable for their heinous crimes." He emphasized the ongoing commitment of federal agents to protect children and purge communities of such offenses.
IDEA Public Charter School responded to the news by confirming that Brown is no longer on staff, stating, "This individual is no longer employed by the school. The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and supporting their ongoing investigation. Based on the information currently available to us, there is no indication that any IDEA student was directly involved."
Brown has been formally charged with one count of receipt of child pornography and appeared before a judge on Monday. He remains detained pending a hearing scheduled for Thursday. Federal prosecutors continue to pursue the case as the investigation unfolds, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to aid in their efforts to ensure accountability and protect vulnerable individuals.
