Sextortion ring conspirators sentenced in Michigan teen's death

MARQUETTE, Mich. — Two Nigerian brothers were sentenced Thursday for their roles in an international sextortion operation that led to the death of a Michigan teenager.

Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, will spend years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to sexually exploit minors. The two men used hacked social media accounts to pose as women and contact people across the United States.

The Ogoshi brothers asked their victims to send them nude selfies and then threatened to share the images with the victims' family, friends and community. The Nigerians demanded money not to publish the photos.

Jordan DeMay, 17, of Marquette, was among the more than 100 victims. The teen sent several hundred dollars, but the fraudulent account demanded more. DeMay committed suicide in March 2022.

LEARN MORE: Laws named after Jordan DeMay sit in Lansing

The Ogoshi brothers were extradited from Nigeria to western Michigan in August 2023. They pleaded guilty last April.

“Today’s conviction of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi sends a powerful message,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “To the criminals who commit these scams: You are not immune from justice. We will hunt you down and hold you accountable, even if we have to travel halfway around the world. The days when you could commit these crimes, make easy money, destroy lives, and evade justice are over.” Totten continued, “And to parents, teens, and anyone else who uses a cell phone: Please be careful. 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 are a victim, please reach out. Help is available, and law enforcement is ready.”

If you or someone you know is a victim of sextortion, the FBI has set up a webpage with information and resources.

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