Oklahoma City Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges Linked to Dark Web Sting

Severity: Low (Score: 21.8)

Sources: Okcfox, Hoodline

Summary

Dartagnon Everettdean Burns, 45, from Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to federal charges of distributing and possessing child pornography. His arrest occurred on December 11, 2025, after an undercover Homeland Security agent posed as a mother on the dark web and exchanged child sexual abuse material (CSAM) with him. Burns admitted to using his cell phone for distribution and having devices containing images of prepubescent children. He faces a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison, along with potential fines. The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, aimed at combating online exploitation of minors. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reported over 20 million exploitation reports last year, highlighting the growing issue. Sentencing is pending after pre-sentence reports are completed. Key Points: • Dartagnon Everettdean Burns pleaded guilty to child pornography charges on May 11, 2026. • He was arrested after an undercover sting operation on December 11, 2025. • Burns faces a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, with fines up to $500,000.

Key Entities

• Project Safe Childhood (campaign)