The Quentin Burdick federal courthouse in Fargo, North Dakota. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)
FARGO (KFGO) – A man from Ivory Coast, a west-African nation, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his alleged role in a online sextortion scheme that caused a North Dakota teen to commit suicide.
23-year-old Aly Cherif was indicted for cyberstalking resulting in death, wire fraud, extortion,and distribution of child pornography.
The indictment alleges that Cherif and others living in Ivory Coast created a fake Facebook account for a 20-year-old woman living in Montana. Cherif used this fake account to communicate with a teenager from North Dakota. Cherif, posing as the woman, convinced the teen to send nude photos and videos. The indictment says Cherif then told the teen the videos and pictures would be posted online unless the teen sent money. When the teen said they did not have any money, Cherif sent the nude photos to others on Facebook. The teen committed suicide shortly after the images were released.
“The United States Attorney’s Office and our partners in law enforcement are committed to obtaining a measure of justice for this family,” U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider said. “The indictment alleges greed, deception, and child exploitation that led to a heartrending tragedy. As we pursue justice in this case, we want to deter similar conduct and remind kids and families that help is available if they become victims of sextortion.”
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are investigating.
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