New York Middle School Student Arrested in Sextortion Case Targeting Classmates

A disturbing sextortion scheme at a Rockland County middle school has led to the arrest of a student who now faces multiple felony charges. Investigators say the case, which began with a handful of victims, may ultimately involve hundreds of children both locally and worldwide.

The investigation was launched in February after six students at Fieldstone Middle School reported to a school resource officer that they were being pressured online. Stony Point police confirmed the victims were coerced into sending explicit images by someone posing as a girl.

Lead detective Andrew Kryger explained how the scheme escalated.

"It turned into 'Well, if you don’t send me more, I’m going to send these ones you sent to me to your friend group,'" said Kryger. The student behind the messages also demanded gift cards valued under $100.

Detectives later discovered the individual responsible was not an adult predator but another student at the same school.

Police have confirmed six victims from Fieldstone so far, but the scope of the case is far wider. According to Kryger, there was "evidence of victims throughout the world."

Seven months after the first reports, the accused student has been charged with three felony counts related to child pornography. Because of his age, police have not released his name. The North Rockland School District notified parents about the case on Wednesday.

Families in the community have expressed alarm at the news.

Authorities are urging any additional victims or their parents to come forward. North Rockland Superintendent Kris Felicello emphasized the importance of reporting.

"There is certainly no shame in coming forward and bringing this to a trusted adult. So please let us know," Felicello said.

Experts also stress the need for parents to stay engaged. Clinical psychologist Dr. Hersha Diaz noted the generational gap in understanding these risks.

"Our children are experiencing this type of harassment and sextortion over the internet and we didn’t experience this growing up throughout our own childhood," Diaz said. "It’s really important for us to listen deeply."

Police and the school district plan to hold a sextortion awareness presentation in the coming days to address community concerns and help prevent future incidents.

New York Middle School Student Arrested in Sextortion Case Targeting Classmates