Two Nigerian brothers have pleaded guilty to conspiring to sexually exploit American minors after a 17-year-old Michigan boy committed suicide as a result of an online sextortion scheme.
Samuel Ogosi, 22, and Samson Ogosi, 20, were both extradited from Lagos to the United States in August 2023 for their role in Ogosi’s death. jordan demaywho committed suicide in March 2022 after being tricked into sending explicit photos of himself, NBC News report.
Officials said the brothers appeared to be interested in Demey until he sent a photo with a third suspect using a Catfish Instagram account called @dani.robertts. It is said that she was pretending to be a girl.
The Nigerian scammer then threatened to release the images and demanded $1,000.
Yesterday, a judge convicted two Nigerian men in a sextortion conspiracy that led to the death of 17-year-old Jordan Demay of Marquette, Michigan. It was a heartbreaking day in court, but it was a measure of justice and a significant step forward. https://t.co/RnP36ynVMp pic.twitter.com/IddOmnpspX
— U.S. Attorney Mark Totten (@USAttyTotten) April 11, 2024
“You can send this. [sic] Send your nudes to everyone and keep sending yours until it spreads,” Samuel said. with message According to a teenage boy from Marquette, Michigan new york post.
Mr. Demay only paid $300, but in response Mr. Samuel further threatened to send pornographic material of minors to the high school student’s family and friends.
The student was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his home on March 25, 2022, the newspaper reported.
The Ogosi’s were successfully brought to Michigan to stand trial, but the third alleged fraudster, Ezekiel Robert, remains in Nigeria after appealing his extradition.
On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten of the Western District of Michigan announced that the brothers “each pled guilty to conspiring to sexually exploit teenage boys.” press release said.
This crime carries a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.
The two criminals were initially charged with additional charges of conspiracy to distribute child pornography and conspiracy to commit internet stalking in connection with “dozens” of other incidents across the United States. Those charges were dropped in exchange for the guilty plea, the newspaper said. post.
“Today’s guilty plea represents an extraordinary success in prosecuting international sextortion,” Totten said. “These convictions will send a message to criminals in Nigeria and around the world that by working with our partners at home and abroad, we will find you and bring you to justice. ”
He added: “I hope this guilty plea brings some relief to the family of Jordan Demay, who was killed in this crime. Of course, the job is not done. The Ogosi brothers will be sentenced later this year. We are still seeking the extradition of the third defendant, Ezekiel Robert.”
The district attorney’s office noted that the investigation was a joint effort between the FBI, Marquette Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police Cybercrime Task Force, U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of International Affairs, U.S. Department of State, and the Department of Economic Affairs and Justice. Nigeria Financial Crimes Commission and the Office of the Attorney General of Nigeria.
“Financial sextortion is a very serious threat targeting minors nationwide, and this case shook Michigan’s communities to their core,” said Michigan FBI Special Agent in Charge Chavorie Gibson. said. “We encourage the public to have open and honest conversations with loved ones about sextortion and to be aware of the red flags.”
The case against Robert is still pending.
