Sexual Extortion Prosecutions
1. United States v. Austin Jones (2019 – Federal Court, Illinois)
Facts:
Austin Jones, a social media personality, coerced underage fans into sending sexually explicit videos by threatening to expose personal information online.
Prosecution:
Charged under 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a) (sexual exploitation of a minor) and 18 U.S.C. § 875(d) (transmission of threatening communications for sexual purposes). Evidence included online messages, screenshots, and victim testimony.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, plus lifetime supervised release and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Significance:
Established that online coercion and threats targeting minors constitute federal sexual extortion, even without physical contact.
2. State v. Michael Bates (2012 – New York)
Facts:
Bates, a high school teacher, threatened to post sexually explicit photos of a 16-year-old student unless she complied with his sexual demands.
Prosecution:
Charged with coercion in the second degree (N.Y. Penal Law § 135.60) and sexual abuse in the first degree (N.Y. Penal Law § 130.65). The prosecution relied on text messages, emails, and testimony from the victim.
Outcome:
Convicted, sentenced to 8 years in state prison, plus sex offender registration.
Significance:
Highlighted that sexual extortion can occur in educational settings and is treated as a serious felony under coercion statutes.
3. United States v. Riley Knox (2015 – Federal Court, California)
Facts:
Knox used a dating website to threaten adult victims with releasing intimate photos unless they sent more explicit material.
Prosecution:
Charged under 18 U.S.C. § 875(d) (threatening communications across state lines) and 18 U.S.C. § 1591 (sex trafficking by coercion if minors involved). Evidence included chat logs and email records.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to 7 years in federal prison, along with fines and restitution.
Significance:
Set precedent that threats via online platforms, even to adults, are prosecutable as sexual extortion under federal law.
4. State v. Lisa Franklin (2017 – Texas)
Facts:
Franklin, a co-worker, blackmailed a colleague into sending sexually explicit images under threat of public disclosure.
Prosecution:
Charged with online sexual coercion (Texas Penal Code § 33.07) and sexual assault under coercion (Texas Penal Code § 22.011). Evidence included screenshots, witness testimony, and forensic analysis of devices.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to 5 years in state prison, with probation and counseling.
Significance:
Demonstrated that sexual extortion laws cover workplace settings and digital threats.
5. United States v. Peter Scully (2021 – Federal Court, California)
Facts:
Scully coerced minors to produce explicit sexual videos by threatening them and their families. Material was distributed online internationally.
Prosecution:
Charged under 18 U.S.C. §§ 2251, 2421 (interstate transportation for sexual exploitation), and 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2) (possession and distribution of child pornography).
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
Significance:
One of the most extreme cases of sexual extortion, showing federal courts impose maximum penalties for coercion involving minors and international distribution.
6. State v. Jonathan Matthews (2018 – Florida)
Facts:
Matthews threatened an adult woman to send explicit photos using text messages, claiming he would release her previous intimate photos online.
Prosecution:
Charged with extortion by threat of sexual exposure (Fla. Stat. § 836.05) and cyberstalking (Fla. Stat. § 784.048).
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to 6 years in state prison, fines, and probation.
Significance:
Reinforced that sexual extortion applies to adults, not just minors, under state law.
7. United States v. David Barrow (2020 – Federal Court, New York)
Facts:
Barrow threatened multiple victims online to produce sexually explicit material or face exposure of compromising videos. The activity spanned multiple states.
Prosecution:
Charged under 18 U.S.C. § 875(d) and 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b) (enticement of minors if applicable). Evidence included emails, IP addresses, and forensic device recovery.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, restitution, and lifetime supervised release.
Significance:
Highlighted federal jurisdiction for interstate digital sexual extortion, especially via social media platforms.
⚖️ Key Legal Takeaways
Primary Laws Used:
18 U.S.C. § 2251 – Sexual exploitation of minors.
18 U.S.C. § 875(d) – Transmission of threatening communications for sexual purposes.
State Extortion and Coercion Statutes – Vary by state (e.g., N.Y. Penal Law § 135.60, Tex. Penal Code § 33.07, Fla. Stat. § 836.05).
18 U.S.C. § 2422(b) – Enticement of minors over the internet.
Common Fact Patterns:
Threats to expose sexual content unless victims comply.
Use of electronic communication (text, email, social media).
Involvement of minors or adults.
Often repeated or ongoing over weeks or months.
Typical Penalties:
Federal prison: 7–life, depending on severity, age of victim, and distribution of material.
State prison: 5–10 years, depending on local laws.
Restitution, fines, supervised release, and mandatory sex offender registration.
Patterns:
Online platforms are frequently used for sexual extortion.
Federal charges often apply when cases involve interstate communication or minors.
Courts treat sexual extortion as aggravated due to coercion and threat, even without physical contact.
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