Women Tricked Into Sending Nude Images: Minnesota BCA

An International Falls, Minnesota man has been charged with possession of child pornography, identity theft and other crimes after investigators uncovered an alleged identity theft scheme carried out to lure adult and juvenile females into providing nude images of themselves.

According to the criminal complaint, investigators found that Cory Nicholas Maish, 36, of International Falls, stole the identity of another man and then then set up several social media profiles using that man’s name. He used those profiles to persuade the victims to provide nude images, according to authorities.

The charges relate to two victims, but based on evidence obtained during the investigation, other victims likely unknowingly sent images of themselves to Maish, police said.

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Maish obtained the images using the stolen identity of Joshua Stougard, according to authorities, who said that Stougard had no knowledge of the deception. Police said Maish also created profiles using the name Jimmy Ruelle, and using the identifier broncoplayer17.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) said it is now attempting to learn the identities of females "who were unknowing victims of Maish." The BCA urges people who believe they are victims of the scheme to contact them at (877) 996-6222 to speak with an agent.

The BCA is conducting the investigation with the International Falls Police Department, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office and the Koochiching County Attorney’s Office.

Image via Shutterstock