Two Nigerian brothers have been sentenced to 18 years in prison each in the United States for their involvement in the sextortion of 17-year-old high school student Jordan DeMay. Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, were also given five years of supervised release for conspiring to sexually exploit minors.
The U.S. Department of Justice disclosed this in a press release on Thursday, revealing that the brothers had extorted over 100 individuals, including 11 minors. Their actions led to the tragic death of DeMay, a resident of Marquette, Michigan.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized that the sentencing of the Ogoshi brothers should act as a deterrent to others involved in online sexual manipulation and extortion.
“These defendants sexually exploited and extorted more than 100 victims, including at least eleven minors, resulting in the tragic death of a 17-year-old high school student,” Garland said. “These sentences should serve as a warning that perpetrators of online sexual exploitation and extortion will be held accountable, no matter where they hide.”
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan also used the conviction to urge caution when using phones and communication devices, warning criminals that they will face justice.
Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office added, “The sentencing of sextortionists Samuel and Samson Ogoshi ensures these international criminals will no longer victimize minors in the U.S. or around the world.”
Jordan DeMay tragically died on March 25, 2022, as a result of the sextortion scheme, which targeted more than 100 other victims. In November 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged the Ogoshi brothers and another Nigerian, Ezekiel Robert, in connection with the scheme. The brothers were extradited to the U.S. in August 2023 and pleaded guilty in April.