Punishment for ‘sextortion’ will hopefully help start the healing process | News, Sports, Jobs

On Thursday, two Nigerian brothers were sentenced to 17.5 years in U.S. federal prison for their roles in the 2022 sexual exploitation and death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay of Marquette.

“Although I would have preferred the maximum sentence, I am really proud that we are here today and have brought these people to justice,” said Marquette County Sheriff Greg Zyburt. “Years ago, when we would get a complaint about scams and things like that, once it was overseas it was pretty much dead.”

The tragic circumstances surrounding the case brought national attention to the Marquette area after DeMay committed suicide after falling victim to the online scheme. Over the past two years, the story has remained in the news, both locally and nationally, continually pulling the Band-Aid off a community still in mourning.

DeMay’s family has been heroic throughout the trial, under unbearable circumstances. They have spoken out about a sensitive subject in the hope that something like this will never happen again.

The work of several families resulted in three bills named after Jordan. Together, these bills are intended to address the growing problems faced by internet users, especially teenagers.

Thursday’s trial marks the end of a chapter in this story, and while no one will ever forget Jordan, we hope that the justice served on those responsible for this heinous act will allow the DeMay family and the Marquette community to move beyond the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and remember Jordan for who he truly was: a friend, a son, a brother, a grandson, a classmate, and a teammate.

We would like to commend everyone who knew Jordan for his courage, and also the law enforcement officers who brought the perpetrators of this act to justice.