A 24-year-old Toronto woman accused of extorting a Sarnia man has been arrested after she travelled to the community to collect a "large sum of money."
Members of the Sarnia Police Service's Criminal Investigations Division began an extortion investigation this month.
Police said a Sarnia man and the accused met through her online advertisement for sexual services.
Over time, the accused allegedly obtained intimate images and personal information from the victim and threatened to distribute them online unless monetary payments were received.
The victim eventually sought help from police after the extortion reportedly carried on for an extended period.
It's alleged the accused demanded a large sum of money from the victim on January 15 and travelled to Sarnia to collect. However, officers were waiting and arrested her without incident.
She was charged with extortion and four counts of failure to comply.
At the time of her arrest, she was also wanted by police in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), subject to a recognizance of bail for serious offences.
Charges against the accused from alleged incidents in the GTA include:
- Attempting to Commit Murder
- Discharging a Firearm with Intent
- Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Firearm – Tampering with a Serial Number
- Breach of Recognizance
“Crime today is not constrained by municipal boundaries. Our city is impacted by criminal elements both within and outside of our community, across a spectrum of offences," said Police Chief Derek Davis. "The SPS enjoys excellent relationships with our partner law enforcement agencies that include lawful sharing of information and joint investigations.”
Sarnia investigators have not ruled out the possibility that there may be other victims.
Sextortion is a form of blackmail involving payments to prevent the release of explicit videos or images obtained. Potential victims are asked to contact Sarnia police at 519-344-8861 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
