is anyone following the sextrortion case in Michigan? Trigger warning! Suicide, sexual extortion

[CLB1125]

I try not to watch the news. It’s depressing to say the least. But I am following the case of a teenager in MI who got caught up in a sextortion case with some Nigerians. He thought he was talking to some teenage boy. And got persuaded to send pictures. Then they started blackmailing him for money. When he couldn’t get anymore money without having to go to his parents, he was so ashamed he killed himself. He was a bright young man, on the school football team. It amazes me because he lived in a small little town but the fbi got involved and they got national org involved. Turns out it was two brothers from Nigeria. They have expedited to the USA to stand trial. I heard this morning bond was denied. What is wrong with people? This boy had his whole life ahead of him. He was so embarrassed and ashamed he took his own life rather than face his family and friends. My heart breaks for his parents and for him. The weight he carried alone. It’s just awful. 💔

[Jennblank7734]

Oh, he was in school so a teenager too. That is very sad. I remember we had multiple meetings to attend at my boys school about online predators. I can remember what kids were like at that age and also how people are quick to judge someone.

[CLB1125 in reply to Jennblank7734]

I think he was a junior in high school.

[designguy]

Yes, it's an awful heartbreaking story. I've watched some of the busting scammers shows on youtube, it's an awful thing that is causing tremendous harm to a lot of people. It pays to be cautious about anything online or texted anymore.

[CLB1125 in reply to designguy]

Parents need to be more aware of what their children are doing online.

[designguy in reply to CLB1125]

They do and keep them selves up to speed on the latest scams, it's unfortunate how creative the scammers are. I know of a couple of adults that came close to being scammed.

[Starrlight]

🥲 🙏