BISMARCK, ND — A man from the Ivory Coast has been indicted for his role in a sextortion group that allegedly contributed to the tragic suicide of a North Dakota teenager. The charges highlight the growing global issue of online exploitation and the devastating consequences it can have on vulnerable victims.
According to a recent press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the defendant, identified only as Cherif, was part of a larger sextortion network operating from the Ivory Coast. This group targeted individuals worldwide, including minors, by using deceitful tactics to coerce victims into providing intimate photos and videos.
Sextortion is defined as the use of intimate or sexual images to blackmail victims, demanding money in exchange for not releasing the materials publicly. In many instances, perpetrators may pose as someone else, manipulate their targets into sharing explicit content, and threaten to expose the images if their demands aren’t met.
In this case, Cherif and his associates allegedly used publicly available photos of a woman to impersonate a 20-year-old named Emily Thompson from Montana. They contacted a teenager, a minor, via Facebook and convinced the victim to send explicit images and a video. The sextortionists then demanded money from the teenager, threatening to release the content if their demands were not met.
When the victim responded, claiming they did not have any money, the group released explicit images of the minor on Facebook, according to the DOJ’s statement. Shortly after, the victim tragically died by suicide.
“The United States Attorney’s Office and our partners in law enforcement are committed to obtaining a measure of justice for this family,” stated U.S. Attorney Schneider in the release. “The indictment alleges greed, deception, and child exploitation that led to a heartrending tragedy. As we pursue justice in this case, we want to deter similar conduct and remind kids and families that help is available if they become victims of sextortion.”
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI added, “This case is a stark reminder of the dangers children face online, where predators use deception and technology to exploit the most vulnerable among us. The FBI and our partners will continue working tirelessly to protect children and bring those who seek to harm them to justice.”
The DOJ stressed that an indictment is merely an accusation and that Cherif, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sextortion is an increasingly widespread crime, and law enforcement agencies are urging the public to report any incidents of online exploitation. The FBI has provided a hotline for reporting sextortion cases: 1-800-CALL-FBI. Additionally, families and young people are encouraged to visit the FBI’s website for resources on how to identify and prevent sextortion scams.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the profound impact such crimes can have on the lives of young people. It underscores the importance of vigilance, education, and support systems to protect children and prevent further tragedies.
