A 13-year-old Novato resident reported to Novato Police officers that a suspect obtained their private photographs stored on social media.
The suspect demanded sex acts from the victim or he would share their private pictures.
Novato Police Detectives initiated a sextortion case, authored search warrants, identified, and located the suspect. The suspect was a high school-aged Novato probationer.
Yesterday, Novato Police arrested the suspect. A search revealed digital evidence linking them to these crimes. The suspect was booked into Marin County Juvenile Hall for possession of child pornography, extortion, contacting a minor for sex acts, impersonating another person with intent to defraud, and a probation violation.
Novato PD said in a press release on social media:
“We applaud the young victim for their courage to report these crimes.”
According to the FBI, Sextortion can start on any site, app, messaging platform, or game where people meet and communicate. In some cases, the first contact from the criminal will be a threat. The person may claim to already have a revealing picture or video that will be shared if the victim does not send more pictures.
Young people need to know this crime is happening and understand where the risks are hiding. Start this conversation with the kids in your life. Explore more sextortion prevention information at https://www.fbi.gov/…/common-frauds-and-scams/sextortion
If this has happened to you or someone you know, let us help to stop the harassment, arrest the person behind the crime, and help you get the support you need. To report a sextortion incident, call Novato Police at 415-897-4361.
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