Sextortion

"I've hidden memories in boxes inside my head before.

Sometimes it's the only way to deal with things."

Alice Feeney

Recently, I read of a high school boy who took his life. Reportedly, he had wonderful parents, lots of friends, great sense of humor, and excelled at school. The community was stunned as there was no apparent reason for this loss. The police had kept his phone and therein was the explanation for this tragedy.

It is called Sextortion. Someone posed as a 17 year old local girl who thoroughly knew all about him, his family and his friends. She led him to believe and trust their connection. Inappropriate pictures were sent to him and requested him to share as well. He then was blackmailed: pay $500 or be publicly exposed to your community. These professional extortionists shamed this innocent young man. 

The FBI is currently exploring this nationwide problem. Parents have come forward to heighten awareness in spite of their horrific pain. The circumstances of this senseless death will not leave me. I want to honor this family for coming forward so their son had not died in vain.  I have safely placed this information in my private space so I will never forget to pray for these innocent children, the impacted families and all who loved them.