Sextortion scams on the rise, often targeting underage boys

Sextortion crimes are rising, and the results can be deadly.

Bradyn Bohn was a 15-year-old student at DC Everest High School. He took his own life in March after being targeted by a sexual extortion ring.

Sextortion is a form of online exploitation where perpetrators coerce minors, typically underage boys, into sending sexually explicit material. They then threaten to release it unless they receive payment. Sometimes the scammers even convince victims that sending images of themselves means they can be held criminally liable for creating child pornography.

Bohn’s parents joined Governor Tony Evers in Weston on Monday to sign Bradyn’s Law. It makes sextortion a new crime and imposes stronger penalties for perpetrators.

“These crimes have senselessly taken the lives of dozens of kids in recent years who felt like there was no way out. No kid or person should ever be put in this position, never,” Evers said.

Through their grief, Bohn’s family started trying to make a difference after his death. They reached out to their elected officials and testified at hearings.

“Through our tragedy, we have found some of the strongest and most resilient parents anyone could imagine. We’ve gained an entire community’s support,” said Brittany Bird, Bohn’s mother. “We’ve all come together to recognize what is most important, the safety of our children.”

At a committee hearing, Bohn’s stepfather said authorities believe the perpetrators who targeted him aren’t in the United States. Law enforcement officials often have a particularly tough time finding suspects and holding them accountable.

According to a report released last year by the FBI, there has been at least a 20 percent increase in sextortion crimes targeting children.

Between October 2021 and March 2023, federal officials say they received more than 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion involving at least 12,600 victims. Those cases have led to at least 20 suicides. 

The state Department of Justice has resources for parents who want to talk about sextortion with their children.

Sextortion and other crimes can be reported at Report.CyberTip.org.

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