U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker | U.S. Department of Justice
Omoruyi O. Uwadiae, a 29-year-old resident of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for cyberstalking and extorting gay and bisexual men across several states. The sentencing took place in a federal court in Columbus.
Uwadiae's criminal activities spanned several months in 2019. According to court documents, he targeted his victims through dating apps such as Grindr, where he obtained sexually explicit photos and videos under consensual circumstances. He then used these materials to threaten the victims with exposure unless they met his demands, which included money or other personal favors.
The defendant followed through on some threats by distributing explicit content to the victims' acquaintances, including family members and employers. In certain cases, Uwadiae also posted this material online without consent. This conduct led to unwanted disclosure of sexual orientation for multiple victims who had not publicly come out.
One victim was an Ohio State University student who faced demands from Uwadiae for $200 or sex. Upon refusal, Uwadiae created false social media profiles with real images of the victim and publicized their sexual orientation without permission.
Another victim was a minor when first contacted by Uwadiae. Despite being informed of the victim's age after initial interactions, Uwadiae continued sharing explicit images with others and even set up a Facebook page displaying them.
In April, charges were filed against Uwadiae in the Southern District of Ohio. He pleaded guilty in May to 22 counts related to cyberstalking and identity theft among other offenses.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the sentence handed down by Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill are representing the government in this case investigated by the FBI.
