14-year-old boy tried to sextort up to 17 teens, police say

KENT COUNTY, MI – A 14-year-old is accused of trying to sextort up to 17 other teens on social media.

Kent County sheriff’s deputies believe the Plainfield Township teen contacted others online and pressured them to send sexually implied images.

In a typical case of sextortion, the suspect pressures others to send inappropriate images and then extorts the victims by threatening to release the images if payments are not made.

In an unrelated Michigan case, a sextortion plot led to the suicide of one victim, Jordan DeMay, 17, of Marquette, according to prosecutors.

Kent County sheriff’s deputies estimate the 14-year-old targeted up to 17 other teens on social media. He is charged with three counts of sexually abusive activity toward children, two counts of using a computer to commit a crime and possession of sexually abusive material toward children.

He was arrested on Monday, October 14 and is being held at the Kent County Juvenile Detention Center.

“This sad case provides an opportunity to talk with children in our community about the dangers of online harassment and sextortion,” said Sheriff’s Sgt. Kailey Gilbert said in a statement.

“As law enforcement continues to investigate, it is becoming clear that these crimes are not anonymous acts committed in remote locations, but can and do occur right here in our community.”

She said anyone who is being bullied or pressured to send illicit images should contact a trusted adult — a parent, teacher, family friend or school resource officer.

Sheriff’s detectives are continuing their investigation.

“These crimes have a lasting impact and trauma on their victims and our local law enforcement takes them very seriously,” Gilbert said.