(The Center Square) – It is now illegal in Wisconsin to blackmail someone over sexually-related pictures or videos after Gov. Tony Evers signed Bradyn’s Law.
The new law specifically outlaws sextortion, which is when someone blackmails another person by threatening to release sexual pictures or videos. It is named after Bradyn Bohn, a 15-year-old student from the Wausau Area who took his own life earlier this year after he was sextorted.
“We wouldn’t be here today without Bradyn’s family and their relentless advocacy to keep kids safe online and hold predators accountable,” Evers said. “We will be able to protect more of Wisconsin’s kids because of Bradyn’s family’s efforts to fight back, and I’m honored to be able to be here with them today.”
Extortion has long been illegal in Wisconsin, but the new law specifically outlaws the new crimes of using sexually explicit pictures and videos. And the new law also carries enhancers if a sextortion victim takes their life or attempts to take the life.
The law:
● Creates a new crime of sexual extortion;
● Includes graduated penalties on offenses depending on the actor, the act, the victim’s actions, or the victim’s age; and
● Modifies and expands the crime victim compensation program, including by adding a victim’s suicide or attempted suicide to the list of acts that may be compensated by Department of Justice.
“Bradyn’s Law ensures harsh penalties for those who exploit Wisconsin children online,” Bradyn’s parents, Brittney and Luke Bird, said in a statement. “Our mission continues: to educate families and protect children from online predators.”
The Evers Administration said the FBI reported that between October 2021 to March 2023, there were more than 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors. That includes at least 12,600 victims – primarily boys – and led to at least 20 suicides.
