Braden's Law would make sextortion a felony in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill to make sextortion a serious crime.

Sextortion involves convincing someone to share explicit photos of themselves, then threatening to share those pictures publicly unless the victim pays money.

Lawmakers point out that the victims are typically teenage boys.

And in the case of an Olentangy High School student, this can have tragic consequences.

Braden Markus died by suicide in 2021. He took his own life minutes after being targeted in an online sextortion scam.

His death has become the motivation for Braden's Law.

The bill makes sextortion a felony in Ohio. It gives the victim immunity for sharing private images, and would allow victims and their family members to get compensation through a program overseen by the state attorney general's office.

Nationwide, from October 2021 to March 2023, an investigation by the FBI and Homeland Security found more than 13,000 reports of sextortion targeting teens. That involved at least 12,600 victims -- mostly boys -- and led to at least 20 suicides.

Braden's Law has just been introduced at the Ohio Statehouse. ABC 6 will follow any developments that arise.

ABC 6 also wants to remind readers that help is always available if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts. Anyone can call or text 988 and someone is always there to talk.

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