This is financial sextortion, and it happens a lot to teens.
Two Nigerian brothers, Samuel and Samson Ogoshi, were each sentenced to 210 months (17.5 years) in federal prison on Thursday for their roles in a devastating online sextortion scheme that contributed to the death of a Michigan teenager. The sentencing took place in a Michigan federal court, closing a heartbreaking chapter that began with the suicide of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay in March 2022.
How the Sextortion Scam Worked
According to federal investigators, the Ogoshi brothers orchestrated an elaborate plot by purchasing hacked Instagram accounts. They posed as young women to deceive both adult men and underage boys into sending sexually explicit photos. Once they obtained the images, the brothers blackmailed victims, threatening to expose the images to family and friends if payments were not made.
The FBI’s investigation revealed that the brothers attempted to extort over 100 individuals through this scam, a tactic that is becoming increasingly common online.
Remembering Jordan DeMay
Among the victims was 17-year-old Jordan DeMay, a senior at Marquette Senior High School in Michigan, who played football and basketball and was preparing for graduation.
In March 2022, DeMay fell prey to the scheme after being contacted by a fake Instagram profile controlled by the Ogoshi brothers. After sending intimate photos, he was extorted for $1,000. When he couldn’t pay, the blackmailers sent chilling threats like “Do that fast… Or I’ll make you do it… I swear to God.”
Within just six hours of the threats, DeMay tragically died by suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A Mother’s Fight for Online Safety
Jordan’s death shook his community and brought national attention to the dangers of online sextortion scams targeting teenagers. His mother, Jennifer Buta, has become an outspoken advocate for online safety and legislative change.
“Financial sextortion is the fastest-growing crime among teenagers, and change will happen when someone is held accountable for what’s happening to these kids,” Buta said during an NBC News interview earlier this year.
Her efforts, along with others, helped inspire new federal action. In May 2024, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan bill requiring social media platforms and online services to report suspected child sexual exploitation to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Justice and Accountability
Samuel and Samson Ogoshi were extradited from Nigeria to the United States in August 2023. They pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sexually exploit minors, a charge carrying a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. Both brothers received 210-month sentences. Meanwhile, a third defendant involved in the case is still appealing extradition.
While the sentencing brings some closure, Jordan’s family emphasizes that real justice includes preventing other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.
Raising Awareness About Financial Sextortion
The rise of financial sextortion crimes highlights the urgent need for stronger protections, better public education, and safer online environments for children and teens. Advocates stress the importance of open conversations between parents and teens about the risks of sharing personal content online.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or facing a crisis, help is available. Call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text HOME to 741741, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for support.