Daijiworld Media Network - New York
New York, Sep 21: Fieldstone Middle School student in Stony Point, New York, has been arrested for allegedly running a sextortion scheme that may have victimized hundreds of classmates, police said.
Authorities revealed that the accused, whose name and age were withheld, faces three felony charges—use of a child in a sexual performance, promoting a sexual performance by a child, and possession of a sexual performance by a child. The Stony Point Police Department said the investigation began in February after several victims reported coercion to school officials.
Police said the suspect, and all known victims, are under 16. The victims—initially identified as boys—believed they were communicating with a girl and were pressured via social media to send explicit images or gift cards under the threat of exposure.
“This case highlights both the serious dangers our children face online and the extraordinary bravery of students who came forward,” police stated, adding that there may be “several hundred additional victims” beyond the North Rockland School District, possibly across states or countries.
Officials urge anyone with information to contact Stony Point Police Youth Officer Det. Andrew Kryger at 845-786-2422 and stress the importance of fostering a safe environment for children to report such crimes without fear or shame.