Devin Ravine, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, New York 2025

A California man has been arrested and charged with the sexual exploitation of a child in a case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of educating young people about internet safety.

Devin Ravine, a/k/a Derek Johnson, 20, of Riverside, California, was arrested on Friday on charges of sexual exploitation of a child. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York made the announcement.

According to a criminal complaint, from March 30, 2025 through April 1, 2025, Ravine persuaded and induced a Rensselaer County minor to create child sexual abuse material, which the child then sent to Ravine over the Internet.

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Ravine faces at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release term of at least 5 years and up to life. He may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of his offense and forfeit any devices used in the offense.

Ravine made an initial appearance on Friday in the Central District of California and has a detention hearing there scheduled for tomorrow. U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III praised the work of the FBI and local law enforcement agencies in bringing the case to light.

“This case is the result of what I like to call ‘Operation It’s Not Your Fault’ – FBI agents visit schools all over the Northern District of New York to educate students about internet safety and sextortion. Our hope is to help students avoid these terrible situations, and also to encourage them to come forward if they believe they are a victim of a crime. Students may be embarrassed, ashamed, feeling that they’re at fault, afraid to tell their parents, and one of our messages is – no, it’s not your fault, and you should tell us if there are predators who have targeted you,”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “This case truly exemplifies the strength and reach of the FBI. It should also put predators on notice, as it doesn’t matter where you’re committing these heinous crimes, we will use every resource we have to find you and ensure you can never hurt another child again.”

The FBI Albany Field Office is investigating this case with assistance from the FBI Riverside Field Office, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Rick Belliss and Mikayla Espinosa are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

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