‘Have those tough conversations’: Law enforcement warns of sextortion as teens get devices for Christmas

by Brady Talbert

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - Law enforcement in Shelby County are sharing a warning to better protect kids from predators before opening up new phones, tablets, and laptops for Christmas.

“It can be very dangerous,” said Lt. Shane Plyer. “Just like you wouldn’t give a bicycle to a kid for the first time without training wheels, you don’t want to give an electronic device to a kid without any kind of guideposts.”

Lt. Plyer with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office overseas Compact, a group working to protect kids from online dangers.

He says devices with unfiltered access to the internet can expose young people to pornographic images and criminals, commonly in the form of “sextortion.”

“You’ve got somebody who is usually imitating somebody much younger,” he said. “They’ll have fake images of somebody else, trying to lure in a teenager or even adults.”

They will convince the victim to send over an explicit photo of themselves, which can be used to blackmail them for money.

“The offender will threaten to release those images to family, friends,” Plyer said.

This crime can come with deadly consequences. Last month in West Virginia, WBRC’s sister station WSAZ reported that 15-year-old Bryce Tate took his own life after he became the victim of sextortion.

WSAZ reported it happened less than 3 hours after the initial message.

“I know there have been cases locally here in Shelby County with adults and with kids where the same things happens,” Plyer said. “Then unfortunately some people get in such a bad spot, and so freaked out, that they take their own life usually due to the embarrassment.”

Lt. Plyer encourages parents to talk with their children. If they fall victim to this, they should feel safe coming to a responsible adult so they can contact law enforcement.

He says parents can also install apps to keep kids safe.

“Even built in software, with the Apple devices and other devices where you can monitor what they’re doing and put restrictions on there,” he said. “You want to have those tough conversations with your kids.”

Compact offers online safety presentations for parent groups, which can be arranged by calling 205-605-1824.

While Compact said it does not sponsor or endorse any specific apps or safety software, Lt. Plyer shared the following applications parents may want to check out: