Repeat sex offender pleads guilty to child sexual exploitation in Maryland

A repeat sex offender pleaded guilty in federal court to sexually exploiting a child.

What’s Happening: Dwayne Lamont Hicks, 45, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of 30 years.

What’s Important: Hicks was previously convicted of a sex offense involving a minor. Federal law requires longer mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders in child exploitation cases. Hicks admitted to producing sexually explicit images of a child.

The Case: Hicks admitted he produced visual depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The guilty plea was entered in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. A sentencing date has not been announced.

The Law: Sexual exploitation of a child is a federal crime that carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence. The mandatory minimum increases to 15 years when the offender has a prior conviction for a sex offense against a minor. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.