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MARQUETTE, Mich. (AP) — Two brothers from Nigeria received sentences of 17 and a half years in federal prison following their admissions of guilt in an online sexual extortion scheme. Their actions targeted numerous teenage boys and young men across the United States, culminating in the tragic suicide of a 17-year-old from Michigan named Jordan DeMay.
U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker presided over the sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi, aged 24 and 21, respectively. The hearing featured poignant and heart-wrenching testimonies from DeMay’s family, who described the profound pain and devastation brought on by his death.
The brothers, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, were extradited to the United States to face charges after pleading guilty in April to conspiring to sexually exploit minors. Federal prosecutors stated that the Ogoshis operated an international sextortion ring, manipulating victims by posing as a woman online. In DeMay’s case, they coerced him into sending explicit images, which they subsequently used for extortion. Federal authorities estimate that their operation affected over a hundred individuals, including DeMay.
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten remarked on the significant penalties meted out to the Ogoshis, emphasizing the government’s commitment to pursuing justice without regard for geographical boundaries. “Today’s sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi sends a thundering message,” he stated, warning potential offenders that they will be held accountable for their crimes.
Sextortion typically involves convincing individuals to share private, explicit images under false pretenses, followed by threats to release those images unless certain demands are met. The legal framework in place assigns a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years for such offenses, with a maximum of 30 years for severe cases.
During the proceedings, Judge Jonker noted the need for substantial sentences, referencing the brothers’ complete disregard for human life. He indicated that their actions continued even after they were made aware of DeMay’s tragic decision to end his life, highlighting the callousness of their conduct.
In a deeply emotional statement, Jennifer Buta, DeMay’s mother, recounted the last message she received from her son, a simple expression of love that turned her world upside down when she learned of his death shortly after. “What I thought was an endearing message from Jordan was his goodbye,” she expressed, underscoring the horror of losing a child to such a cruel scheme.
Jordan’s stepmother, Jessica DeMay, shared her pain too, asserting that their family would forever be colored by grief due to her stepson’s passing. She lamented the overshadowed joy they would face in the future, reconciled with the grief that his death brought into their lives.
Jordan’s father, John DeMay, spoke hauntingly of his son, describing the harrowing image of “my son laying on his bed dead with a gunshot wound to his head.” He reminded the court of Jordan’s remarkable qualities — his resilience, intelligence, and athleticism — pondering how the Ogoshis effectively communicated with him during his final moments.
In their defense, the attorneys for both Samuel and Samson Ogoshi portrayed them as remorseful individuals. Samuel’s lawyer stated that he had cooperated with authorities and expressed genuine regret over the consequences of their actions. Similarly, Samson’s attorney argued his client was young and had seen extortion as a means to a quick income, common in their home city.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predatory behavior, particularly towards vulnerable individuals like young teenagers. The impact of these crimes reverberates deeply within families and communities, leaving lasting scars that can never fully heal.
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