With 'Sextortion' Cases On The Rise, NOVA Plans Community Conversation In Bucks

WARWICK TOWNSHIP, PA — "Sextortion," an online crime targeting kids and teenagers, will be part of a community conversation being hosted by the Warwick Township Police Department.

The free event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Warwick Township Building, located at 1733 Township Green, Jamison, 18929. It is being organized by NOVA (Network of Victim Assistance) and State Rep. Kristin Marcell.

"Join us for an in-person community discussion with law enforcement, criminal justice leaders, advocates, and prevention specialists as we come together to better understand and address sextortion, a form of online exploitation that relies on coercion and threats," said organizers.

Sextortion involves someone coercing another person into sharing explicit images or videos. The perpetrator then threatens to release the images publicly unless demands for money, additional images, or other conditions are met.

The incidents, which the FBI is warning are on the rise across the nation, often originate on social media platforms, gaming applications, or messaging services.

A panel discussion will cover several key topics, including how sextortion occurs and the methods police use to investigate and prosecute the crime. The panel will address the impact that sextortion has on youth and their families and will provide key warning signs and prevention strategies designed to help keep children and teens safe online.

The panel will include Bucks County Detective Eric Landamia, Warwick Detective Sgt. Wade Ditommaso, Bucks County first assistant district attorney Kristin McElroy, NOVA's human trafficking victim advocate Danielle DiUlio, and NOVA Training Coordinator Jamie Phister.

Parents, guardians, students, and other community members are encouraged to attend. To register, click here.