A former U.S. Navy sailor stationed in Norfolk has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after investigators uncovered thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material and evidence that he coerced a 14-year-old victim into sexually explicit conduct.
Bailey Dwayne Burnett, 26, was sentenced today on a charge of coercion and enticement of a minor.
According to court documents, Burnett began communicating in January 2023 with fellow sailor Zhane Tavern Elamin while both were serving in the Navy. Prosecutors said the two exchanged images and videos containing child sexual abuse material and discussed ways to engage with minors.
The case expanded after agents with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) seized Burnett’s cellphone on Aug. 20, 2025. A forensic examination uncovered 69 images of child sexual abuse material on the device and led investigators to several online accounts, including two associated with the file-sharing service Mega.
Authorities said those accounts contained 3,692 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, including material involving infants and toddlers.
Investigators also discovered communications between Burnett and a 14-year-old victim who was born in Italy and later moved to the United States. Court records state that Burnett used FaceTime, iMessage, and Discord to persuade and coerce the victim into engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Prosecutors said Burnett sent sexually explicit images and videos of himself and received similar material from the victim.
Burnett was separated from the Navy in December 2025 as a result of the investigation and subsequent criminal proceedings.
The case also resulted in charges against Elamin. Court records show Elamin pleaded guilty on June 12, 2024, to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. He was sentenced on Oct. 21, 2024, to 10 years in federal prison.
NCIS led the investigation.
The case underscores the increasing role of digital forensic investigations in identifying online child exploitation offenses and tracking illegal activity across multiple communication and file-sharing platforms. Federal authorities have continued to prioritize cases involving the exploitation of minors, particularly when offenders use social media and messaging applications to target victims.