'Sextortion' and internet safety forum held at Rockland middle school
A sextortion and internet safety forum was held Monday evening at Fieldstone Middle School.
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A sextortion and internet safety forum was held Monday evening at Fieldstone Middle School.
"It's happening all over, it's not just here," said Detective Andrew Kryger during the forum. He is a youth officer with the Stony Point Police Department.
Dozens gathered to learn how to protect their kids from sextortion.
Earlier this month, a middle school student was arrested for allegedly sextorting other students.
Police say he posed as a girl on social media and coerced seventh and eighth grade boys into sharing explicit pictures and videos.
Monday coverage
The suspect allegedly threatened to release the footage if the victims didn't send him money via gift cards.
Police believe there could be hundreds of victims all over the world.
"We need to speak to our kids and tell them if this happens, what can they do. They can come to you without judgement, without getting yelled at, without getting punished, they can come to a trusted adult, an SRO and we can help figure it out together. Like in this case, that happened and the results are the results," said Det. Kryger.
Officers encourage parents to have open communication with their kids about this.
They also urge parents to look out for signs like sudden secrecy online and unexplained money requests.
"I'm aware that these unfortunately do happen but it's still shocking when it's kids and in your community," said Christian Petermann, who has a child in the North Rockland Central School District.
Police couldn't say if more victims have come forward.
However they say they've had discussions with other parents.
Police say it's still a very active investigation.
