Detroit, Michigan, police arrested a teenager after he allegedly obtained elicit photos of his classmates by posing as a girl and threatened to expose them unless they sent him money.
The 15-year-old Oak Park, Michigan, high school student allegedly used the photos as blackmail to extort money, among other things, from fellow students, WXYZ reported. The teen purportedly obtained explicit photos and videos of his schoolmates by pretending to be a girl online. His charade came to halt, however, when one of his victims sought help from his mother after the 15-year-old suspect threatened to release send his nudes publicly, according to the outlet. (RELATED: REPORT: Armed Gunmen Rob 11 Students In Off-Campus Apartment)
Teen arrested after allegedly catfishing students, using inappropriate photos to demand payments https://t.co/dKrjFCgww2
— WXYZ Detroit (@wxyzdetroit) November 14, 2022
“It was by the grace of God that this victim had the courage to go to his mom and ask for help,” Detroit Police Lt. Dana Russell told the outlet. The suspect was charged in Wayne County, Michigan, where some of the victims lived, with extortion, tampering with evidence and soliciting child pornography. He could be facing additional charges in Oakland County, where other victims lived, according to the outlet.
“I don’t care if you even know the person, do not send any inappropriate video or photos of yourself to anyone,” Russell said, per WXYZ.
Last May, three Detroit teens catfished a male teacher by posing as a 35-year-old woman on a dating site using photos from the internet, the Hill reported. After reportedly obtaining nude photos of the teacher and driver’s ed instructor, they distributed them to his class.
The teacher was not accused of any wrongdoing, as he thought he was interacting with another adult, the outlet noted.