BEAVER DAM, Wis. (WMTV) – The alarming rise of online sexual exploitation, or sextortion, has devastated families across the country, with tragic consequences. Brittney Bird, a mother in Wisconsin, lost her teenage son to sextortion, leading to his suicide. Similarly, John DeMay lost his 17-year-old son in a matter of hours after falling victim to an online sextortion plot. With 103 reported cybertips of sextortion in Wisconsin alone in 2025, the issue is a growing concern.
Both parents now advocate for raising awareness about sextortion and educating teenagers on the dangers of online exploitation. The Wisconsin Department of Justice advises victims not to comply with the blackmailer’s requests, report the account, block the suspect, and report the crime to law enforcement. The FBI also highlights the importance of reporting exploitation to local authorities or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
As these heartbreaking stories shed light on the dangers of sextortion, it is crucial for both parents and teens to be vigilant and seek help if they or someone they know become victims of online exploitation.
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