Denver Carolissen, Child Exploitation, Maine 2014

Portland, Maine – Denver Carolissen, 42, of Kuilsrivier, South Africa, has pleaded guilty to the heinous crime of sexually exploiting a minor and transporting child pornography, in a case that has left the community reeling.

According to court records, in 2010, Carolissen, who was in South Africa, took several sexually explicit photographs of a minor girl. In September 2014, Carolissen sent the photographs and other child pornography images to undercover federal agents in Maine investigating the online exchange of child pornography.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig M. Wolff confirmed the details of the case, stating that Carolissen was indicted on November 4, 2014. The indictment marked the beginning of the end for Carolissen, who would eventually face charges for his shocking crimes.

Following his arrest, Carolissen admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the minor girl, taking photos and video footage of the activity, and sending images to other individuals using the internet. His brazen actions have left many wondering how he was able to evade detection for so long.

Carolissen faces a lengthy prison sentence, with between 15 and 30 years in prison for sexually exploiting a minor and between five and 20 years in prison for transporting child pornography. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 and up to life on supervised release for each offense.

The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit of the South African Police Service. The efforts of these agencies have brought Carolissen to justice, and their work serves as a reminder that no one is above the law.

Carolissen will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. In the meantime, the community can rest a little easier knowing that this predator is behind bars, where he belongs.

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