Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old from Michigan, USA, committed suicide after becoming the victim of a naked picture blackmail. Three Nigerian males who reside in Lagos have been accused of his death.
Samuel Ogoshi, 22, Samson Ogochi, 20, and Ezekiel Ejehem Robert, 19, have been earmarked for extradition to the United States.
On May 3, 2023, Mark Totten, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, disclosed the unsealing of a federal indictment that accused the three Nigerians of extorting money from many young men and teenage boys in the Western District of Michigan and across the country.
DeMay, a 17-year-old, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on March 25, 2022.
His death prompted an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Marquette County Sheriff’s Department, which resulted in the indictment that was revealed then.
While talking about the incident, Totten said: “Sextortion is a horrible crime that can leave especially younger victims feeling ashamed with nowhere to turn.
“My heart goes out to the family of Jordan DeMay. Nothing can bring Jordan back, but my office is committed to securing justice and, alongside Jordan’s family, sending an urgent warning so others can protect themselves and their families. We will travel the world to hold the perpetrators of these crimes accountable.
“Financial sextortion is a global crisis that impacts teens in our country and around the globe,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan.
“That’s why the FBI is working hand in hand with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to prevent youth from becoming victims of this tragic crime and to hold those who target our teens in this manner accountable – no matter where in the world they may be.
DeMay family said: “Our focus going forward is to bring more awareness to children, young adults, and parents. Our family has forever been changed by this heinous crime and our objective is to prevent another individual from being victimized.
“Kids, teenagers, and even adults can be a target of sextortion. We urge you to have discussions about this and have a plan for your children to reach out if it does happen to them.”
The family added, “Jordan will never be forgotten. He will forever be in our hearts and will drive us forward to share his story and help others.
The defendants are charged in a four-count indictment:
- Count 1 charges Samuel Ogoshi with Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Resulting in Death in association with the death of Jordan DeMay. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a statutory mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison.
- Count 2 charges all three men with Conspiracy to Sexually Exploit Minors by causing the minors to produce child pornographic images that the defendants then used to blackmail the minors. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison.
- Count 3 charges all three men with Conspiracy to Distribute Child Pornography for sending the child pornography images to the minors, as well as their families and friends. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison.
- Count 4 charges Conspiracy to Commit Stalking Through the Internet for engaging in this sextortion scheme as it relates to both minors and young adults. The charge has a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.
- All charges have provisions for fines, restitution, and supervised release after their release from prison.
