NOVA Presenting Community Conversation On 'Sextortion' In Bucks Co.

WARWICK TOWNSHIP, PA — NOVA, in partnership with the Warwick Township Police Department and State Rep. Kristin Marcell, will host a free program, "Sextortion: A Community Conversation" on Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Warwick Township Building, 1733 Township Green, Jamison.

The special evening will feature law enforcement officials, criminal justice leaders, and victim advocates discussing sextortion — an increasingly common form of online exploitation involving coercion and threats. To register, click here.

The Community Conversation will address: How sextortion occurs, how cases are investigated and prosecuted, how sextortion impacts youth and families and warning signs and prevention tips that can help keep children and teens safe online

The panelists for the program include Detective Eric Landamia, Bucks County Detectives; Detective Sergeant Wade Ditommaso, Warwick Township Police Department; Kristin McElroy, First Assistant District Attorney, Bucks County; Jamie Pfister, Training Coordinator, NOVA; and Danielle DiUlio, Human Trafficking Victim Advocate, NOVA.

“Addressing sextortion requires a community-wide response,” said Jamie Pfister, Training Coordinator, NOVA. “This event brings together detectives, prosecutors, advocates, and prevention specialists to shed light on this serious form of online exploitation. Our goal is to empower families with knowledge — from understanding how these crimes happen, to recognizing warning signs and taking proactive steps. When we work together, we can better protect our children and teens from harm."

Added Warwick Township Chief of Police Jon Ogborn, “The Warwick Township Police Department is pleased to host this important event in partnership with NOVA, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office, and State Rep. Kristin Marcell. This event offers the community an opportunity to engage directly with criminal justice leaders, prevention specialists, and other key stakeholders who will share insights on how sextortion occurs, how those cases are addressed, and the impact on families. They will also offer practical steps to protect your youth. Your participation is vital to building a safer community.”

According to State Rep. Kristin Marcel, “Sextortion is a growing threat that targets young people and families through coercion, fear and online manipulation. I am co-hosting this community conversation because parents and students deserve clear, practical information about how these crimes happen, what warning signs to look for, and where to turn for help. Thanks go out to NOVA for bringing together law enforcement, advocates and prevention experts so our community can stay informed and better protected.”

In addition to this program, NOVA facilitates workshops for places of worship, parent groups, organizations and schools throughout the year. For more information, contact Jamie Pfister, Training Coordinator, at Jamie.Pfister@novabucks.org.