Streetsboro Police Arrest Man in 2022 Sextortion Case Tied to Teen's Death

Streetsboro police, working with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations, arrested a man in his early 20s in connection with the death of James, a 17-year-old high school student who died by suicide Nov. 19, 2022. Authorities said the suspect is in jail and will stand trial.

James was targeted on Instagram in 2022 after he believed he was exchanging photos with a 19-year-old girl who contacted him on the platform. His mother, Tamia, said that within 24 hours of that exchange, her son received more than 200 text messages and dozens of calls from people she believes were working together. Callers told him they would ruin his life unless he paid them thousands of dollars.

Investigators tracked an IP address during the case and eventually linked it to the suspect, police said. Authorities have not released the suspect's name. Police said the man could face more than 10 years in prison if convicted.

The investigation ran for about three years from James' death on Nov. 19, 2022 to the arrest announced this week. Streetsboro, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations handled the case together.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.