MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – In a historic case surrounding a Marquette teen’s suicide over two years ago, two Nigerian men will spend time in prison for their role in a sextortion scheme.
Samuel Ogoshi, 22, was sentenced to 210 months (17.5 years) in prison. Samson Ogoshi, 20, is currently waiting to hear his sentence Thursday afternoon. The brothers appeared in the US District Court in Marquette Thursday for sentencing.
Samuel and Samson Ogoshi each pleaded guilty in April to conspiring to sexually exploit teenage boys in the Western District of Michigan and across the United States. The offense of conspiracy to sexually exploit minors requires a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison; the maximum possible penalty is 30 years.
Samuel Ogoshi was also initially charged with causing the death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay of Marquette, who was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in March 2022.
The brothers bought fake social media accounts to target, lure, and extort victims. According to the federal indictment, the Ogoshis communicated with DeMay, making him believe he was speaking with a teen girl. They then told DeMay to send nude photos of himself. When DeMay did, the Ogoshis told him to pay them hundreds of dollars or “I’ll make this go viral. I will make you regret your life. I will make u [sic] commit suicide. I promise you I swear.”
As part of their pleas, the Ogoshi brothers agreed to cooperate in the prosecution of others. The charges against Ezekiel Robert, a third suspect, are still pending as of April 2024.
This is a developing story. WZMQ will continue to update this article as sentencing continues.
