State Rep. Hill, others introduce ‘Jordan D’s Law’ to combat online sextortion

LANSING, Mich. (WJMN) — State Representative Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) and two others have signed on to support a new package of bills aimed to combat online sextortion targeting minors and vulnerable individuals.

The bill’s name comes from Jordan DeMay, a Marquette teen who took his own life after he was targeted by a group of men from Nigeria. Since then, the conviction of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi was the first successful prosecution of its kind.

You can watch our interviews with DeMay’s mother, police and basketball coach from after the landmark guilty pleas from of the pair, as a case against a third suspect continues in the court system.

HB 5887 establishes penalties for individuals who intentionally threaten to release sexually explicit material to compel victims against their will.

HB 5888 outlines sentencing guidelines for sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion.

HB 5889 mandates collaboration between local school districts and state agencies to implement educational policies on the new law. The boards of school districts, ISDs, and public school academies must implement a policy to educate these individuals on the sextortion law.

“The DeMay family is honored and pleased to see Michigan legislators bring our collaborative legislation to the table. The introduction of Jordan D’s law is made on behalf of our son Jordan DeMay and many other families and victims who may not have a voice and have suffered at the hands of social media. We are committed to addressing the online harms that face Michigan youth and the fight against sextortion. Jordan D’s law is the cornerstone for what will be robust legislation to impose criminal sanctions, awareness campaigns and tech company accountability related to online crimes against youth. The time is NOW!” said John DeMay, father of victim Jordan DeMay.

“Education is key to prevention,” State Rep. Hill said. “By involving our schools and law enforcement agencies, we can raise awareness and equip people with the knowledge to stay safe online.”

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