Tallahassee, FL – Donovan Arthur Sauleda, a 39-year-old resident of Crawfordville, Florida, has been convicted by a federal jury on charges of possessing, receiving, and distributing child pornography, along with producing and distributing obscene material involving a child. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin emphasized the significance of the verdict, stating, “Protecting our children from sexual exploitation and abuse is of paramount importance, and I am proud of the great work by my office to bring this sex offender to justice. My office will aggressively pursue these types of cases to ensure those who victimize our most vulnerable populations are prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
The investigation into Sauleda's activities began in November 2021 when the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office discovered he had failed to register his internet accounts as legally required for registered sex offenders. A search warrant executed in March 2022, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, uncovered child pornography and child-like sex dolls at Sauleda's residence. It was revealed that Sauleda had been making videos for sale and distribution involving these child-like dolls.
Sauleda's sentencing is scheduled for September 8, 2025, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, presided over by United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and could be sentenced up to twenty years in prison. Post-sentencing, Sauleda will continue to be required to register as a sex offender.
The conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at combating the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. This initiative, launched in May 2006, coordinates federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project
