MARQUETTE, MI – Two Nigerian brothers were sentenced Thursday, Sept. 5, to 17 ½ years in federal prison in a deadly sextortion scheme.
Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, both of Lagos, Nigeria, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker for conspiracy to sexually exploit minors.
A third Nigerian is fighting extradition.
Jordan DeMay, 17, a high school student in Marquette, died by suicide after he was sexually exploited by the brothers, who had targeted over 100 others – including at least 11 minors, federal prosecutors said.
Parents Jennifer Buta and John DeMay provided emotional statements about the devastation brought by the Ogoshis and others tied to the scheme.
Related: Victim’s mom gives emotional statement at deadly sextortion plot sentencing
Federal prosecutors announced in August that five U.S. citizens were indicted for money laundering in the Nigerian-based sextortion scheme.
The defendants posed as women online and convinced targets – teen boys and young men – to send nude photographs. The photos were then used to blackmail the targets.
The targets were told to pay ransom or have the photos shared with family and friends. Jordan DeMay said he only had $300 of the $1,000 ransom and was told: “Enjoy your miserable life.”
“Today’s sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi sends a thundering message,” U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said in a statement.
Related: Nigerian men plead guilty in sextortion case that led to Michigan teen’s suicide
“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.”
He said everyone with a cellphone could be targeted by criminals.
“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.”
Related: 5 men in U.S. allegedly tied to Nigerian sextortion that led to Michigan teen’s death by suicide
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in the statement:
“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.
“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. The Justice Department will find them, no matter where they are, and we will bring them to justice in the United States.”
The government said the Ogoshis bought hacked social-media accounts and made fake profiles of young women. They sent messages from the accounts after conducting online research about the targets: where they lived, went to school and worked and the identities of family and friends.
They made collages of sexually explicit photos, along with other images of the target, family and friends, and school.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office provided the following safety information:
The FBI provides the following tips on how people can protect themselves from sextortion schemes:Be selective about what you share online. If your social media accounts are open to everyone, a predator may be able to figure out a lot of information about you.Be wary of anyone you encounter for the first time online. Block or ignore messages from strangers.Be aware that people can pretend to be anything or anyone online. Videos and photos are not proof that people are who they claim to be. Images can be altered or stolen. In some cases, predators have even taken over the social media accounts of their victims.Be suspicious if you meet someone on one game or app and that person asks you to start talking on a different platform.Be in the know. Any content you create online—whether it is a text message, photo, or video—can be made public. And nothing actually “disappears” online. Once you send something, you don’t have any control over where it goes next.Be willing to ask for help. If you are getting messages or requests online that don’t seem right, block the sender, report the behavior to the site administrator, or go to an adult. If you have been victimized online, tell someone. Being a victim of sextortion is not your fault. You can get through this challenge, even if it seems scary and overwhelming. There are people who want to help.
If you have information about or believe you are a victim of sextortion, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at This FBI PSA and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children PSA share survivor stories and resources for individuals to get help. More FBI sextortion resources are available here.
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Publish date : 2024-09-05 12:39:00
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