Two Nigerian brothers have each been sentenced to 18 years in prison by the United States for their involvement in the sextortion of a 17-year-old high school student, Jordan DeMay.
Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, were also given five years of supervised release for conspiring to sexually exploit minors.
According to a press release from the US Justice Department on Thursday, the brothers extorted over 100 individuals, including 11 minors, leading to the tragic death of DeMay, who lived in Marquette, Michigan.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated that the sentencing of the Ogoshi brothers serves as a deterrent to those involved in online sexual manipulation and extortion.
“These defendants sexually exploited and extorted more than 100 victims, including at least eleven minors, resulting in the tragic death of a 17-year-old high school student,” Garland said.
“These sentences should serve as a warning that perpetrators of online sexual exploitation and extortion cannot hide behind their phones and computers. The Justice Department will find them, no matter where they are, and bring them to justice in the United States.”
US Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan also highlighted the importance of being cautious when using phones and communication devices, using the conviction of the Nigerian nationals as a warning to criminals.
Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office added, “The sentencing of sextortionists Samuel and Samson Ogoshi ensures that these international criminals will no longer be able to victimize minors in the United States or worldwide.”
On March 25, 2022, Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old high school student from Marquette, Michigan, died as a result of the sextortion scheme, which targeted over 100 other victims.
In November 2022, the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan charged the brothers and another Nigerian, Ezekiel Robert, in connection with the sextortion scheme that led to DeMay’s death.
The Ogoshi brothers were extradited to the US in August 2023 and pleaded guilty in April.
