Two Nigerian brothers, Samuel and Samson Ogoshi have been sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison for their role in a sextortion scheme that resulted in the death of a teenage boy by suicide.
The Justice Department announced this in a statement on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
According to the statement, the brothers, lured a teenager, Jordan DeMay through Instagram, pretending to be a girl his age, flirted with him, and made him send sexually explicit images of himself to them.
The brothers then threatened to broadcast the photos to his friends if he did not send them money.
After sending as much money as he could, Demay threatened to take his own life if they spread the images.
17-year-old high school student, on March 25, 2022, died as a result of this scheme, which targeted over 100 other victims.
The statement reads, “These defendants sexually exploited and extorted more than 100 victims, including at least eleven minors, resulting in the tragic death of a 17- year-old high school student,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
“These sentences should serve as a warning that the perpetrators of online sexual exploitation and extortion cannot escape accountability for their heinous crimes by hiding behind their phones and computers. The Justice Department will find them, no matter where they are, and we will bring them to justice in the United States.”
“Today’s sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi sends a thundering message,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan. “To criminals who commit these schemes: you are not immune from justice. We will track you down and hold you accountable, even if we have to go half-way around the world to do so. The day when you could commit these crimes, rake in easy cash, destroy lives, and escape justice is gone. And to parents, teenagers, and everyone who uses a cell phone: please, please be careful. These devices can connect you to criminal networks around the world. Don’t assume people are who they say they are. Don’t share compromising images. And if you’re a victim, please reach out. There’s help, and law enforcement stands ready.”