'ALL AMERICAN' TEEN SUICIDE AFTER SEXTORTION: NIGERIAN GANG BUSTED
Digest
The Crime Alert podcast delves into the heartbreaking story of Jordan De May, a seemingly typical teenager who took his own life after falling victim to a sophisticated sex-extortion scheme. The podcast features interviews with Jordan's parents, John and Jennifer De May, who share their harrowing experience and the devastating impact of their son's death. The investigation reveals a vast network of sex-extortionists operating globally, targeting teenagers and young adults through social media and online dating platforms. The podcast highlights the manipulative tactics used by these criminals, who exploit their victims' vulnerabilities and threaten to release compromising content unless they comply with their demands. The podcast also features interviews with law enforcement officials, cybercrime experts, and a medical examiner, who discuss the investigation, the arrest of multiple perpetrators, and the growing threat of sex-extortion. The podcast emphasizes the importance of parental awareness and education in protecting children from online exploitation, urging listeners to be vigilant and to seek help if they or someone they know is a victim. The podcast concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to support law enforcement efforts to combat this growing crime.
Outlines
Crime Alert: The Sextortion of Jordan De May
This podcast episode introduces the tragic case of Jordan De May, a teenager who committed suicide after being targeted by a sex-extortion scheme. The episode highlights the dangers of online exploitation and the importance of parental awareness.
The Suicide of Jordan De May and the Shocking Discovery of Sex-Extortion
The podcast delves into the tragic suicide of Jordan De May, a seemingly typical teenager, and reveals the shocking discovery of a sex-extortion scheme that led to his death. The segment features interviews with Jordan's parents, John and Jennifer De May, who share their heartbreaking story.
The Investigation Uncovers a Global Sex-Extortion Network
The investigation into Jordan's death uncovers a vast network of sex-extortionists operating globally, targeting teenagers. The segment features an interview with Rich Wastaki, a former cybercrime detective, who explains the modus operandi of these criminals and the devastating impact on their victims.
The Sextortion Plot and the Arrest of Multiple Perpetrators
The podcast details the sextortion plot that led to Jordan's suicide, highlighting the manipulative tactics used by the perpetrators and the devastating consequences for their victims. The segment features interviews with Jordan's parents, a medical examiner, and a news reporter, who discuss the investigation and the arrests of multiple individuals involved in the scheme.
The Impact of Jordan's Story and the Importance of Parental Awareness
The podcast emphasizes the impact of Jordan's story on raising awareness about sex-extortion and the importance of parental involvement in protecting children online. The segment features interviews with Jordan's parents, law enforcement officials, and experts who discuss the need for education, communication, and vigilance to combat this growing threat.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The podcast concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to be aware of the dangers of sex-extortion and to seek help if they or someone they know is a victim. It also highlights the importance of supporting law enforcement efforts to combat this crime.
Keywords
Sex-Extortion
A form of online extortion where perpetrators use sexually explicit images or videos of their victims to blackmail them into providing money or other favors.
Cybercrime
Criminal activity that involves the use of computers and the internet, including hacking, fraud, and identity theft.
Sextortion
A type of cybercrime where perpetrators use sexually explicit images or videos of their victims to blackmail them into providing money or other favors.
Online Safety
The practice of protecting oneself from harm while using the internet, including avoiding scams, phishing attacks, and cyberbullying.
Parental Control
Measures that parents can take to monitor and restrict their children's online activity, such as setting time limits, blocking websites, and using parental control software.
Digital Footprint
The trail of data that a person leaves behind online, including their social media activity, browsing history, and online purchases.
Teenagers
Young people between the ages of 13 and 19.
Suicide
The act of intentionally causing one's own death.
Q&A
What is sex-extortion and how does it work?
Sex-extortion is a form of online extortion where perpetrators use sexually explicit images or videos of their victims to blackmail them into providing money or other favors. They often target teenagers and young adults, using social media and online dating platforms to lure them into sending compromising content. Once they have the content, they threaten to release it to the victim's friends, family, or online contacts unless they comply with their demands.
How can parents protect their children from sex-extortion?
Parents can protect their children from sex-extortion by having open and honest conversations about online safety, setting clear boundaries for online activity, and monitoring their children's online behavior. They should also teach their children about the dangers of sharing personal information and sexually explicit content online.
What are some of the signs that a child may be a victim of sex-extortion?
Some signs that a child may be a victim of sex-extortion include: being secretive about their online activity, withdrawing from friends and family, experiencing anxiety or depression, having unexplained financial problems, or receiving threatening messages or emails.
What should parents do if they suspect their child is a victim of sex-extortion?
If parents suspect their child is a victim of sex-extortion, they should immediately contact law enforcement. They should also try to gather any evidence of the crime, such as screenshots of messages or emails, and keep their child safe from further harm.
What are some of the resources available to help victims of sex-extortion?
There are a number of resources available to help victims of sex-extortion, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the FBI, and the National Sexual Assault Hotline. These organizations can provide support, counseling, and legal assistance to victims.
Show Notes
What began as an investigation into the suicide of a popular high school athlete uncovered an international sextortion ring.
On Twitter, Jordan Demay received a message from a user named Dani Roberts, who convinced him to send explicit photos. Moments later, the situation turned dark. "Dani Roberts" demanded money, threatening to send the photos to Jordan’s family and friends if he didn’t comply. Jordan sent all the money he had, but the demands continued. Six hours later, Jordan Demay took his own life.
Days after Jordan’s death, his girlfriend received one of his explicit photos and went to the police. Marquette County Sheriff's detectives, working with the FBI, traced "Dani Roberts'" IP address to Nigeria. Three Nigerian men—Ezekiel Robert and brothers Samuel and Samson Ogoshi—were linked to Jordan’s case and over 100 other victims.
Five U.S. citizens are now accused of facilitating the sextortion scams, handling payments from victims, and transferring the money to Nigeria. Prosecutors allege the defendants laundered nearly $200,000 for the scammers.
Joining Nancy Grace Today:
- Jennifer Buta – Jordan DeMay's Mother
- John DeMay – Jordan DeMay's Father
- Dr. William Morrone – Chief Medical Examiner, Bay County Michigan; Author: “American Narcan: Naloxone & Heroin-Fentanyl Associated Mortality”
- Detective Rich Wistocki: Child Crime Expert, President of BeSure Consulting (30 years), 23-year SWAT team member; Formed the Will County Illinois States Attorney’s High Technology Crimes Unit that made over 90 sexual predator arrests in its first 3 ½ years. juvenilejusticeonline.org, mycybersafeschool.com
- Elizabeth Peterson - Morning News Anchor & Reporter for WLUC TV6; Facebook: Elizabeth Peterson TV6
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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