A man from Westbrook, Maine sentenced to 18 years for sexually exploiting a child

A Westbrook man, Rayevon Deschambault, has been sentenced to 216 months in prison for sexually exploiting a 14-year-old victim and producing child sexual abuse material. Deschambault was also sentenced to an additional 27 months for distributing cocaine base. The videos of the abuse were found on Deschambault’s cell phone after it was seized by investigators in August 2019. U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. noted the severity of the crime due to the permanent visual record created by videotaping the exploitative acts.

The FBI and Portland Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, Jodi Cohen, described Deschambault’s actions as heinous and expressed gratitude to the victim for cooperating with law enforcement. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee emphasized the importance of protecting children from the lasting impact of sexual exploitation, highlighting it as a crucial aspect of the work done by the US Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners.

Reports of child sexual exploitation have been increasing, with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline receiving 32 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation in 2022. This included over 80,000 reports of online enticement of children for sexual acts, representing an 82% increase from the previous year. The CyberTipline is available for individuals to make reports of exploitation, and victims in Maine can seek help by calling the 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline.

Deschambault’s case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, aiming to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found on the Department of Justice website.

In conclusion, the sentencing of Rayevon Deschambault for sexually exploiting a child highlights the severity and long-lasting impact of such crimes. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Portland Police Department, and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, played a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting the case. The increase in reports of child sexual exploitation underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to combat these crimes and protect vulnerable children. Project Safe Childhood continues to be a vital initiative in addressing child exploitation and abuse nationwide, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts at all levels of government to address this critical issue.