In a deeply tragic case that highlights the growing dangers of online exploitation, two Nigerian brothers were sentenced to 17½ years in federal prison after pleading guilty to running a sextortion scheme that targeted over 100 young men and boys across the United States, including a Michigan teenager who died by suicide.
Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, were convicted for orchestrating an international operation that coerced young victims into sharing explicit images, which were later used to extort money. One of their victims, Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old high school student from Marquette, Michigan, took his own life in March 2022 after falling victim to their scheme.
“Today’s sentencing delivers a powerful message to those who prey on the vulnerable,” U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said following the sentencing. “You cannot hide from justice, no matter where you are.”
A Tragic End to a Targeted Teen
In March 2022, Jordan DeMay believed he was communicating with a young woman on Instagram. Unbeknownst to him, the account was controlled by the Ogoshi brothers, who had built a fake profile to ensnare victims. After convincing DeMay to send a sexually explicit image, the brothers demanded $1,000, threatening to share the image with his friends and family if he refused to pay.
DeMay, unable to meet the demand, sent $300, hoping it would satisfy the scammers. But their threats continued. In his final messages, DeMay shared that he was contemplating taking his own life. In response, the extortionists showed no remorse. Hours later, DeMay died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Rising Tide of Sextortion
The case is part of a disturbing rise in sextortion crimes, a form of online blackmail where victims—many of them minors—are coerced into sharing sexually explicit material that is then used to extort money. Sextortion schemes often lead to emotional devastation, and in some cases, like DeMay’s, the consequences are fatal.
Between October 2021 and March 2023, U.S. federal authorities received over 13,000 reports of financial sextortion targeting minors. According to the FBI, at least 20 suicides have been directly linked to these schemes.
In the Ogoshi brothers’ case, prosecutors revealed a methodical and predatory operation. The brothers purchased hacked social media accounts, impersonated young women, and used them to initiate conversations with their victims. After obtaining explicit images, they created photo collages combining the explicit material with other personal images, threatening to send these to the victims’ friends, family, and classmates unless they paid ransom through online cash apps.
The brothers, who operated from Nigeria, were extradited to the United States in 2023 and have been held accountable under U.S. law. Their sentencing marks a significant win for law enforcement in the fight against international sextortion rings.
A Family’s Unimaginable Loss
At Samuel Ogoshi’s sentencing, Jordan DeMay’s mother, Jennifer Buta, delivered an emotional statement to the court, reflecting on the devastating impact her son’s death had on her family. “What I thought was just a sweet message from Jordan, telling me he loved me, was actually his final goodbye. I never could have imagined that people, hidden behind screens halfway across the world, were torturing my son in his final moments.”
DeMay, a high school athlete with aspirations to attend college, is remembered by friends and family as a bright, kind-hearted young man. His death has left an indelible scar on his community.
Protecting the Vulnerable in a Digital Age
The Ogoshi brothers’ sentencing is a reminder of the hidden dangers that lurk online, particularly for young people. Law enforcement officials are urging parents to have open conversations with their children about online safety, particularly when it comes to sharing personal or compromising content.
“These devices we use every day can connect us to criminal networks worldwide,” U.S. Attorney Totten warned. “Never assume that people online are who they say they are. And if you’re a victim, reach out—there is help available.”
As the digital world continues to evolve, so do the risks. Federal agencies have vowed to continue their efforts to combat sextortion and other forms of online exploitation, making clear that no one, regardless of where they operate, is beyond the reach of justice.
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