In a significant development in the fight against online criminal networks, five individuals involved in a sextortion scheme reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan have pled guilty to charges of conspiring to launder funds. The accused parties were implicated in a network that coerced young males into producing explicit material and subsequently extorted them for money, a portion of which was sent to a contact in Nigeria known as “The Plug.”
The guilty pleas cap a detailed investigation led by the FBI, which coordinated with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Among the accused are Dinsimore Guyton Robinson, 29, who submitted his guilty plea on January 22, 2025, and Kendall Ormond London, 32, who pled guilty last Wednesday. Brian Keith Coldmon, Jr., 30, followed suit last Friday, and both Jarell Daivon Williams, 31, and Johnathan Demetrius Green, 32, entered their guilty pleas on Wednesday. According to the indictment, the conspirators transferred the proceeds from the victims to digital currencies, which were then sent to their Nigerian accomplice after skimming off a 20% commission.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, this criminal ring was brought to light following a tragic case involving a 17-year-old Michigan high school student, Jordan DeMay, who sadly took his own life after being victimized by the scheme. The broader operation targeted over 100 individuals, with the laundering element being key to maintaining the extortionists' anonymity and financial flow. In a statement by Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge, “these individuals helped and profited from this awful, heartbreaking scheme and so they now will face the consequences.” The court will announce sentences after consideration of federal guidelines and the specific circumstances surrounding each individual.
The FBI has shared precautionary advice and resources for those needing assistance or seeking to protect themselves from such online perils. The agency advocates for online discretion, skepticism towards strangers, and open communication when encountering suspect online behavior. Assistance and additional information regarding sextortion can be found by contacting FBI field offices, calling 1-800-CALL-FBI, or reporting online at the FBI’s tips webpage.
