HORTONVILLE, Wis. (WFRV) – Officials with Hortonville High School are working with local law enforcement after they were informed of a possible sextortion incident involving several students.
In a letter sent out to parents from the Hortonville Area School District, officials say that on the evening of September 24, the district was informed that several students had possibly been victims of sextortion.
It was noted that the school district is working collaboratively with the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office and Hortonville Police Department as the investigation is ongoing.
“The unknown suspects are using social media platforms such as Discord and Snapchat. The suspects, typically from out of our country, are using fake accounts and information to exploit students nationwide, including our students,” The Hortonville Area School District’s email reads. “These law enforcement investigations are complex and can lead to additional victims being identified.”
Sextortion is a form of child sexual exploitation where children are threatened or blackmailed, most often with the possibility of sharing with the public nude or sexual images of them by a person who demands additional sexual content, sexual activity, or money from the child.
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School district officials reminded parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and talk to them about the dangers of sextortion. Any parents with relevant information are asked to contact Sgt. Nathan Dahm at (920) 832-2188, the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office at (920) 832-2188, or the Hortonville Police Department at (920) 779-6165.
No additional information was provided. Local 5 will update this story once new details are released.
