Michigan Teen’s Death Leads to International Crackdown on Sextortion

More than two years after a 17-year-old Michigan boy took his own life, the men behind an international sextortion scheme have been brought to justice.

Northern Michigan Homecoming King Dies by Suicide

Jordan DeMay had his whole life in front of him. DeMay was a star athlete, homecoming king at his high school, and a beloved family member. But on March 25, 2022, DeMay got caught up in a sextortion scheme and felt that suicide was the only way out.

Marquette County Sheriff Greg Zyburt believes the entire ordeal took place over a two-hour period.

Two Men Behind International Sextortion Scheme

Since the incident, investigators followed clues in DeMay's death and had a major breakthrough in the case after about eight months.

Two brothers from Nigeria were discovered to be behind the sextortion ring, posing as young women and targeting boys to send compromising photos, then asking them to send large sums of money to protect their identities.

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Samuel Ogoshi and Samson Ogoshi were extradited to the United States and earlier this month were sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison. Five additional men were charged with money laundering related to DeMay's case.

"Today's sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi sends a thundering message," U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said in a written statement. "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 halfway 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."

Michigan Parents Urge Teens to Seek Help

DeMay's mother, Jennifer Buta urges teens to seek help if they ever find themselves in a situation similar to her son's.

The national suicide and crisis lifeline is 988.