MARQUETTE, MI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Three Nigerian men are accused of causing the suicide death of an Upper Michigan teen.
Federal officials announced Wednesday the three men — Samuel Ogoshi, 22, Samson Ogoshi, 20, and Ezekiel Ejehem Robert, 19, all of Lagos, Nigeria — are awaiting extradition to the U.S.
Authorities say the three are currently in the custody of Nigerian officials.
They are accused of sexually extorting numerous young men and teenage boys across the U.S, including 17-year-old Jordan DeMay of Marquette.
“Sextortion is a horrible crime. It can leave, especially younger victims, feeling ashamed and like they have nowhere to turn,” says U.S. Attorney for Western Michigan Mark Totten.
Authorities say just hours before DeMay’s death on March 25, 2022, DeMay was being extorted through Instagram over pictures that he had taken of himself and was pressured by one of the men to pay money in exchange for the pictures not being sent to his family and Instagram followers.
Officials say DeMay sent $300, but it wasn’t enough.
Hours after DeMay’s death, investigators say a friend of DeMay received one of the compromising photos.
WLUC reports the charges against the three men are:
Count 1 charges Samuel Ogoshi with Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Resulting in Death in association with the death of Jordan DeMay. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a statutory mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison.
Count 2 charges all three men with Conspiracy to Sexually Exploit Minors by causing the minors to produce child pornographic images that the defendants then used to blackmail the minors. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison.
Count 3 charges all three men with Conspiracy to Distribute Child Pornography for sending the child pornography images to the minors, as well as their families and friends. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison.
Count 4 charges Conspiracy to Commit Stalking Through the Internet for engaging in this sextortion scheme as it relates to both minors and young adults. The charge has a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.
During Wednesday’s news conference, DeMay’s family made a statement:
“Our family has forever been changed by this heinous crime, and our objective is to prevent another individual from being victimized. Kids, teenagers, young adults and even adults can be a target of sextortion. We urge you to have discussions about this and have a plan for your children to reach out if it does happen to them.”
The FBI says these sextortion cases are part of a disturbing trend, perpetrated both at home and abroad. There are cases that take a lot of work and resources, but ones authorities say are important to pursue.
“To those engaging in this crime, we will travel the world to find you and hold you accountable,” said Mark Totten.
Authorities are hoping their commitment on this case also sends a message to those who have been or may be a victim of a similar crime.
“If you are a victim, you are not alone — please report it,” said James Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge FBI Michigan.
“I know there is a lot of shame and embarrassment that comes along with this, but it happens, happens to everyone. This case and the message that comes with it will certainly prevent other juveniles and adults alike from taking those steps to ending their lives out of shame.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, click here for resources.
The indictment also lists a 21-year-old man from Warrens, Wisc., and a 16-year-old boy from New York as other victims in the case.
