Upstate middle schooler charged in sextortion scheme that may involve hundreds of victims
Investigation centered on Fieldstone Middle School in Stony Point; six victims came forward as police say hundreds could be affected
An upstate New York middle school student has been charged in a sextortion scheme that investigators say may have ensnared hundreds of victims, police said Wednesday. In Stony Point, Rockland County, six students came forward during a months-long investigation into the case tied to Fieldstone Middle School. The suspect, a Fieldstone student under 16, allegedly posed online as a girl and coaxed male peers to send explicit images, then demanded more photos or gift cards of less than $100 to keep the material from being shared with friends.
Police said the investigation began in February after six students confided in a school resource officer. The suspect and the alleged victims are all under 16, police said. The suspect had been out of the country at the time of the inquiry and was arrested last week after returning home, according to reports. Det. Andrew Kryger described the case as unusual and troubling because many sextortion cases involve offenders outside the country. The investigation has prompted officials to stress that sextortion is not only a local issue but a global problem fueled by social media. The six victims who have come forward are believed to be part of a larger pool, with authorities noting that hundreds of potential victims could exist.
Six victims have come forward, but police believe there may be hundreds more. The North Rockland Central School District urged other potential sextortion victims to come forward, the district said, underscoring that Fieldstone Middle School enrolls about 1,300 students. “This case highlights both the serious dangers our children face online and the extraordinary bravery of students who came forward,” the district stated, echoing comments from police officials.
The suspect was charged with use of a child in a sexual performance and promoting a sexual performance by a child and is due back in court. The person was identified by police, but was out of the country at the time, and authorities say the case demonstrates the need for vigilance in monitoring online interactions among students. Police urge anyone who believes they were coerced or who has information about the scheme to contact 845-786-2422. "Please encourage your children to come forward because there is certainly no shame in coming forward and bringing this to a trusted adult," North Rockland Central School District Superintendent Kris Felicello said in a statement.