Brothers Get 17+ Years for Twisted ‘Sextortion’ Plot That Drove Michigan Teen to Suicide
Two brothers were sentenced to over 17 years in prison for a sextortion scheme that led to the suicide of a Marquette, Michigan teen. 🌐 #News #MarquetteMI #Michigan #Crime
MARQUETTE, MI — Two brothers were slapped with more than 17 years in the slammer for running a sick “sextortion” scam that ended in the suicide of 17-year-old Marquette, Michigan teen Jordan DeMay.
The Nigerian brothers – Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and his younger brother, Samson Ogoshi, 21 – were sentenced to 210 months behind bars after pleading guilty to conspiracy to sexually exploit minors. The pair was hauled back to the U.S. from Nigeria in 2023 to face the music.
A Global Sextortion Network Uncovered
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan announced the heavy sentence Thursday, saying the brothers targeted over 100 victims — including at least 11 minors — in their twisted scheme. They used hacked social media accounts to pose as young women, luring their targets into sending sexually explicit images.
Once they had the pics, the two threatened to expose their victims by sending the embarrassing images to family and friends unless they forked over cash.
“Today’s sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi sends a thundering message. 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,” U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said in a statement.
Totten also had a dire warning for anyone with a phone in their hand: “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.”
Authorities Urge Vigilance as Online Scams Rise
The FBI said these creeps were able to hide behind fake identities online, making it easy for them to con their victims into sharing private images. “People can pretend to be anything or anyone online,” the agency warned, adding that photos and videos are no proof of identity.
The bureau also urged victims not to suffer in silence.
“If you have been victimized online, tell someone. Being a victim of sextortion is not your fault,” the FBI said. “You can get through this challenge, even if it seems scary and overwhelming. There are people who want to help.”
Attorney General Merrick Garland echoed the tough talk, calling the brothers’ crimes “heinous.”
“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,” Garland said.
“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,” Gardland added. “The Justice Department will find them, no matter where they are, and we will bring them to justice in the United States.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. You don’t have to face this alone. Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. Remember, you are loved and you deserve to feel good today!
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