![]() ![]() Authorities did not provide further details on potential co-conspirators.Īuthorities announced the suspect’s arrest on the same day the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a public safety alert warning parents about the dangers of sextortion schemes. “Detectives believe there could be additional victims due to the suspect’s criminal pattern and use of social media to target minors,” police said, urging anyone with information about the scams to call investigators. Justice Department warns of dramatic increase in 'sextortion' schemes targeting boysĪccording to San Jose police, Kassi allegedly exploited children online through using various social media platforms. The Federal Bureau of Investigation seal is seen at FBI headquarters in Washington, U.S. I believe that to continue to fight these type of scams we need to educate parents and kids alike.” “They truly care what happens and have worked hard investigating. “I am truly disgusted that there are people that can do this to kids, but I am also grateful for all the work that law enforcement has done on this case,” she told CNN Monday evening. Hours later, police said, a panicked Ryan took his own life.Īlthough San Jose police withheld Ryan’s name as the minor victim in the case in its announcement of the arrest Monday, Stuart confirmed to CNN the arrest was in connection with her son’s death. Immediately after Ryan shared an intimate photo of his own, the cybercriminal demanded $5,000, threatening to make the photo public and send it to Ryan’s family and friends, investigators said. Ryan’s mother, Pauline Stuart, said police determined her son was contacted online by someone purporting to be a girl, who engaged in an online conversation which quickly turned intimate in nature.Īccording to authorities, the online perpetrator sent Ryan a romantic picture of a young female and asked for one of him in return. Kassi was transferred from Los Angeles to Northern California and “booked for extortion and attempted disorderly conduct – posting of a photograph or recording without consent,” San Jose police said.ĬNN is attempting to determine if Kassi has an attorney.Įarlier this year, CNN reported on the suicide death of Ryan Last, who police said was the target of an online scam known as “sextortion.” The FBI says it's part of a troubling increase in 'sextortion' cases. Courtesy Pauline StuartĪ 17-year-old boy died by suicide hours after being scammed. Ryan Last and his mother, Pauline Stuart. ![]()
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