A U.S. attorney confirmed a sextortion indictment and is seeking to identify additional victims. Government resources exist for citizens to get involved in preventing these crimes. 

The alleged scheme was based on Snapchat and involved child pornography. These situations are intended to lead into blackmail. U.S. Attorney Mark Totten is taking the indictment seriously. 

“These charges represent serious allegations, and we are moving with all diligence to make our case and protect the public," Totten said. "Sextortion is on the rise and represents a real and present danger to every child, teenager, and user of social media. We will use every power at our disposal to protect our most vulnerable community members from this emerging threat.”

According to the Justice Department, in connection with an alleged sextortion scheme using the well-known social media app, Snapchat, Totten announced charges against Brandon Huu Le, 21, of Maitland, Florida, for coercion and enticement of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor and receipt of child pornography. Threats are made against a victim in sextortion, including threats to reveal or disseminate private and sensitive information about them if they do not give the offender money, sexual favors, or sexually graphic photographs or videos.

According to the Justice Department, Le communicated with a 13-year-old girl who lives in the western district of Michigan using Snapchat on Aug. 10 and 11. The indictment claims Le threatened to publicly post the conversation online with the victim's name if the victim did not give him sexually explicit photos and material. He allegedly steered the conversation on Snapchat to sexual topics, took a screenshot of the sexual part of the conversation, and then made the threats.

The public is asked to visit the Justice Department website if they think they are a victim in this case, or to contact Kathy Schuette, a victim coordinator, at 616-808-2034 or kathy.schuette@usdoj.gov.