STONY POINT, N.Y. — A middle school student in Rockland County, New York, has been arrested in connection with a sextortion scheme that police say may involve hundreds of victims, marking one of the most alarming cases of its kind at the local level.

Arrest Following Months-Long Investigation

The suspect, a male student at Fieldstone Middle School in Stony Point, was taken into custody in June after a months-long investigation that began in February. Police confirmed that felony charges were formally filed last week, including use of a child in a sexual performance and promoting a sexual performance by a child.

Authorities are withholding the suspect’s identity because of his age.

“This type of case is usually handled across state or national lines. To have it happen here, at the middle school level, is both unusual and deeply troubling,” Det. Andrew Kryger of the Stony Point Police Department said at a press conference.

How the Scheme Worked

According to investigators, the suspect posed as a female online and tricked male students into exchanging explicit photos. Once the images were shared, the suspect allegedly demanded money and threatened to release the material publicly if the victims did not comply.

So far, six victims have come forward, but police believe there may be “potentially several hundred” others affected.

A Widespread and Growing Threat

Sextortion, or sexual extortion, is defined by the FBI as the coercion of individuals into sharing sexually explicit images or performing sexual acts under the threat of exposure. Federal officials have warned of a dramatic rise in such cases.

Between October 2021 and March 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations received more than 13,000 reports of online sextortion involving minors.

“This is not just a local problem—it’s global, driven by the reach of social media,” Stony Point police said in a statement, urging parents to stay alert and engage in open dialogue with their children.

Legislative and Tragic Context

Several recent tragedies have underscored the stakes. In Wisconsin, lawmakers passed Bradyn’s Law earlier this year after 15-year-old Bradyn Bohn died by suicide in March following an online sextortion scheme. The law establishes sexual extortion as a new crime and allows for penalties of up to 60 years in prison if the offense results in a victim’s death.

Similarly, in 2022, Michigan teenager Jordan DeMay died by suicide after scammers overseas threatened to release his photos unless he paid $1,000. His case remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of online exploitation.

Community Response

In partnership with the North Rockland Central School District, Stony Point police announced plans to host a community forum at Fieldstone Middle School to educate parents, students, and staff on sextortion awareness and prevention.

“It is essential to create safe, judgment-free environments where children feel comfortable reporting concerns,” the department said. “We must ensure our kids never feel alone and always know support is available.”

The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging any potential victims to contact Det. Kryger directly.