In January 2023, Jack Sullivan, a 20-year-old sophomore at Kutztown University, began flirting and sending nude photos to Alice, a woman who messaged him on Instagram. Quickly, the conversation moved to Snapchat, and Jack began sending more and more intimate photos to Alice. Not atypical for young college students, right? Well, unfortunately, Alice was not real. Instead, “Alice” was two male Nigerian scammers who stored the photos Jack had sent them. The scammers threatened to send the photos to Jack's friends, family, classmates, and professors unless Jack sent them several thousands of dollars. After sending the scammers nearly $3000, the scammers kept demanding more. Ultimately, Jack Sullivan jumped in front of a train and committed suicide as a result of the scammers.

If you or your loved ones have become a victim of a sextortion scheme that resulted in self-harm, the Lento Law Firm can help you enforce your rights. Our Student Defense Team knows the law and is eager to assist you in getting the help and justice you need. Call us today at 888.535.3686 or tell us about your situation online.

Increased Cases of Extortion Reported Nationwide

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, financial sextortion is one of the fastest-growing forms of cybercrime. The Center's data reports that sextortion cases more than doubled from 2022 to 2023! With the proliferation of smartphones and smart devices to children and young adults, scammers and online predators see an opportunity. By communicating on apps such as Snapchat, Instagram, or Messenger that offer a false sense of privacy, scammers can often convince young people to send explicit photos. Using social media, the scammers have no problem finding the victim's friends and family. Then, the extortion begins.

Schools Need to Protect Students from Bullying and Harassment

Schools and universities are subject to federal laws that require them to address conduct that creates a hostile learning environment that interferes with a student's ability to safely participate in activities and opportunities sponsored by the school. These laws are not necessarily limited to students and staff or actions that occur on campus. Instead, schools are often found liable for self-harm caused by cyber bullying and extortion.

In many instances, sextortion schemes like the one Jack Sullivan suffered from are classic cases of sexual harassment. If you or your student has reported the case to the campus police department or school administration, the school has a duty to address the harassment and protect the student. Schools and universities that do not adequately protect a student from bullying, harassment, etc., face liability for the mental distress the student subsequently suffers. Schools also potentially face liability for any self-harm or suicide caused by the distress.

The Lento Law Firm Can Give You the Help You Need

If a school has failed you or your student, the Lento Law Firm Team is here to help. Your attorney can help collect evidence, put pressure on the school to make things right, and ultimately ensure that victims and their families are made whole again. Call 888.535.3686 or contact us online today.