It started with what he believed was a normal online conversation. It turned into years of fear, shame, and silence.
According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, a teenage boy came forward to report that he had been the victim of ongoing online extortion tied to explicit images shared when he was a minor.
The teen told deputies that when he was 15 years old, he communicated online with someone he believed to be a girl. During those conversations, explicit images were exchanged, including an image of himself. He said the person later used that image as leverage, threatening to post it publicly on social media and send it to his family if he did not pay.
Terrified of exposure, the teen said he began sending money to the unknown individuals. He told deputies the payments continued weekly for years, typically around $200 at a time. He said the threats never stopped — and that he was repeatedly warned the image would be released if he refused to pay.
The teen provided screenshots showing the messages came from multiple different phone numbers, suggesting the operation involved more than one person. Deputies documented the evidence and advised him to immediately stop sending money, block all associated numbers, and cease any further communication.
The incident remains under investigation.
A Growing and Deadly Crime Against Kids
Law enforcement officials say this case reflects a much larger and deeply troubling trend: sextortion targeting children.
Sextortion schemes often begin with fake online profiles posing as teens or young adults. Once images are exchanged, scammers turn to threats, fear, and relentless pressure. Victims are often told they will be exposed to parents, friends, schools, or entire communities.
Experts warn that boys are targeted just as often as girls — but are far less likely to report it. Shame, fear, and the belief that they will be blamed often keep victims silent.
In recent years, sextortion cases involving children have been linked to self-harm and suicide, as victims feel trapped with no way out.
Law enforcement urges parents and guardians to talk openly with kids about online safety and stresses that no child should suffer alone.
If a child is being threatened or extorted:
- Stop communication immediately
- Do not send money
- Preserve evidence
- Report it to law enforcement right away
Help is also available through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) for anyone feeling overwhelmed or unsafe.
The Counseling Center — including Day One Recovery in Portsmouth, Ohio. Crisis Hotline: 740-354-6685
Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health — 740-354-2944
Hope Source — 740-353-4673
AA / NA Local Chapters — 800-589-4827
Scioto County Crisis Center — 740-354-1010
Local Law Enforcement — 911
The Question We Can’t Ignore
This teen lived with fear for years — not because he did something wrong, but because someone else weaponized it.
