(Jan. 22, 2024) – The Aurora Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Unit is investigating numerous reports of “sextortion” targeting Aurora students.
Sextortion is a form of exploitation where children are blackmailed most often through the threat of publishing an explicit image. A scammer could threaten to post explicit material on the internet or social media unless they receive money from their targeted victim. Sextortion could also involve sharing sexually explicit images with others in exchange for money.
The sextortion scheme was first reported on Jan. 16, 2024, to an Aurora Police Department School Resource Officer. To date, detectives have received reports related to the investigation from students and officials at Rangeview, Smoky Hill, Gateway, Vista Peak, Cherokee Trail and Overland high schools, and Aurora Hills and Mrachek middle schools.
In six instances, students reported being a direct target of the sextortion scheme after being contacted by the suspect or suspects through Instagram. In dozens of others, students reported receiving unsolicited invitations to pay to join an Instagram “Close Friends List” where sexually explicit material had been posted. Close Friends is a feature that allows users to view an account holder’s private content.
Detectives are working closely with officials from Aurora Public Schools and the Cherry Creek School District to identify additional victims. Detectives also are working with Meta to identify the owners of the suspect profiles and to determine the legitimacy of photos and videos that have already been shared or otherwise publicly posted.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact a detective by calling Aurora non-emergency dispatch, 303.627.3100, and referencing case number AP2024-10276. Information can also be shared anonymously through the Safe2Tell website.
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
AP24-10276