Hortonville Students May Have Been Victims of Sextortion Scams
HORTONVILLE, Wisconsin — Authorities are investigating reports that Hortonville High School students may have been targeted in sextortion scams involving Discord and Snapchat accounts. According to recent media reports, the investigation is ongoing with cooperation from the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office, the Hortonville Police Department, and the Hortonville Area School District.
Officials revealed that suspects may have operated fake accounts created outside of the United States. A letter shared by Hortonville district administrator Todd Timm indicated that the district is working closely with law enforcement as the case develops.
How Sextortion Scams Target Students
Sextortion is a growing cybercrime in which predators pressure or blackmail victims using real or artificially generated sexual images. They often threaten to release the images unless financial demands are met. Law enforcement officials say the most common victims are boys between 14 and 17 years old.
In past cases, such online exploitation has led to devastating consequences, including teen suicides. The tragedy of Bradyn Bohn, 15, who took his own life after hours of sextortion threats, underscores the urgency for parents and communities to recognize and address this threat.
Wisconsin Authorities Respond to Growing Sextortion Cases
The Wisconsin Department of Justice reported that in 2025 alone, the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has received more than 100 sextortion-related cybertips, following 237 similar tips in 2024.
State officials have urged students not to comply with scammers’ demands or send money. Instead, they should:
- Tell a parent or trusted adult immediately
- Report the suspicious account on the social platform used
- Block the suspect but save messages for investigators
Above all, authorities stress that victims are never at fault in sextortion cases.
Guidance for Parents and Schools
The Wisconsin DOJ encourages parents to protect children by keeping open communication about online behavior. Families should discuss what children are sharing online, who they are talking to, and how to handle situations that cause fear or confusion.
Parents are also urged to teach their children about healthy relationships, consent, sexting, and bullying, as these conversations can help teens identify unsafe interactions both online and offline.
Students and families can also access help through resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org, and Wisconsin’s Speak Up Speak Out program at 1-800-MY-SUSO-1.
Sextortion remains one of the fastest-growing online crimes in North America, and the Hortonville case highlights the urgent need for both education and vigilance. By staying alert and informed, families and schools can work together to protect young people from online predators.
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