Mark A. Totten United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan
Dinsmore Guyton Robinson, a 29-year-old from Huntsville, Alabama, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a Nigerian sextortion scheme. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge announced the plea. Sentencing is set for April 24, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker.
The indictment details how the group used online payment systems to collect funds from victims and transfer them to Nigerian sextortionists. The scheme involved creating nude images of boys and young men, which were then used to extort money sent through platforms like Apple Pay, Cash App, and Zelle. Money launderers kept approximately 20% of the proceeds before converting the rest into bitcoin and sending it back to Nigeria.
Robinson was specifically accused of laundering funds related to Jordan DeMay's case. In November 2022, three Nigerian nationals were charged in connection with a sextortion scheme that led to DeMay's death and targeted over 100 other victims. Two defendants were extradited to the United States in August 2023 and pled guilty in April 2024.
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, stated: "Dinsimore Robinson's guilty plea to conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a sextortion scheme underscores the alarming lengths to which criminals will go, preying on the most vulnerable members of our society." He credited collaborative efforts between FBI offices across multiple states and international partners for disrupting Robinson's activities.
The FBI offers several safety tips for individuals to protect themselves from such schemes: be cautious about sharing personal information online; be wary of new online acquaintances; recognize that people can misrepresent themselves; be suspicious if asked to switch communication platforms; understand that online content can become public; seek help if needed.
Victims or those with information about sextortion are encouraged to contact their local FBI field office or report it via http://tips.fbi.gov. Resources are available through various PSAs by the FBI and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation alongside Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Mekaru represented the government during proceedings.
It is important to note that charges within an indictment are accusations until proven otherwise in court.
