Sextortion cases are on the rise across Minnesota. What once seemed like an online scam affecting strangers has become a serious criminal allegation that can devastate someone’s reputation, career, and freedom.
Whether you’ve been accused of threatening to share explicit images or you’re being extorted yourself, understanding how Minnesota law handles sextortion is critical.
This guide explains what sextortion means under Minnesota law, the potential charges and penalties, how digital evidence is handled, and what immediate steps you should take if you’re accused or under investigation.
What is sextortion?
The term “sextortion” doesn’t appear in Minnesota’s criminal code, as it’s a common term used to describe a type of extortion. It falls under several existing statutes related to extortion, coercion, and computer-related crimes. Sextortion typically involves someone using threats to expose private sexual content—like explicit photos or videos—to demand money, sexual favors, or other benefits.
Common Minnesota statutes used to charge sextortion
Depending on the facts, prosecutors may charge sextortion under:
- Extortion – Minn. Stat. § 609.27
Making a threat to harm someone’s reputation, expose secrets, or cause injury to compel them to act against their will.
Penalty: Up to 20 years in prison and $100,000 in fines, depending on the type of threat. - Coercion – Minn. Stat. § 609.275
Using threats to make someone do something (or refrain from doing something) they have a legal right to do.
Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. - Nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images – Minn. Stat. § 617.261
Commonly called “revenge porn,” this makes it a crime to share or threaten to share explicit images of someone without consent.
Penalty: Up to 3 years in prison and $5,000 in fines for a felony-level charge. - Computer crimes – Minn. Stat. § 609.891
Involving the use of computers or electronic communication to commit or facilitate extortion or coercion.
If an alleged victim is a minor, the case can involve additional charges like solicitation of a child to engage in sexual conduct (Minn. Stat. § 609.352) or possession of child pornography (Minn. Stat. § 617.247)—both serious felonies with mandatory prison and registration consequences.
You can learn more about how Minnesota classifies and prosecutes these crimes by visiting Martine Law’s sex crimes defense page and Minnesota’s criminal statutes.
How prosecutors build a sextortion case
Sextortion cases rely heavily on digital evidence, which can include texts, emails, social media messages, or digital payments.
Common forms of evidence in sextortion investigations
- Screenshots and chat logs from apps like Snapchat, Instagram, or Facebook Messenger
- IP addresses and digital footprints connecting accounts to a specific person or device
- Financial records or payment requests, such as Venmo or CashApp transfers
- Cloud backups or deleted files recovered by forensic investigators
- Phone or computer data obtained through search warrants
- Statements or admissions made to police or online
Because these cases are often built entirely on electronic communication, even a single misleading message can be taken out of context. That’s why early intervention by an experienced defense lawyer is so important.
To understand how Minnesota law enforcement collects and uses electronic evidence, see Minnesota Statutes § 626A, which governs electronic surveillance and stored communications.
What to do if you’re accused of sextortion in Minnesota
Being accused of sextortion is frightening—and how you respond in the first hours or days can shape the entire case. Here’s what to do immediately:
1. Do not delete or alter any evidence
Deleting messages, accounts, or files may appear as destruction of evidence and could worsen your situation. Instead, preserve all communications exactly as they are.
2. Do not contact the alleged victim
Even if you believe the situation is a misunderstanding, contacting the other person directly can be viewed as intimidation or retaliation. Let your attorney handle communication.
3. Avoid speaking to law enforcement without a lawyer
Police may request an interview or “clarification.” Politely decline until you have legal counsel. Anything you say can later be used against you.
4. Hire a Minnesota criminal defense attorney immediately
A lawyer experienced in sex crime and internet-related charges can evaluate your case, protect your rights, and manage communication with investigators.
You can reach Martine Law’s Minnesota criminal defense team 24/7 for urgent representation.
5. Document your version of events
Write down what happened—when, how, and through which apps. Keep copies of all correspondence and note any details that may prove consent, misunderstanding, or third-party involvement.
6. Check for impersonation or hacked accounts
In some cases, someone else may have used your name, photos, or accounts to commit the alleged offense. Preserving evidence of that can be a powerful defense.
Common defenses in sextortion cases
While every case is unique, Minnesota defense attorneys often use one or more of the following legal strategies:
- Lack of intent: The prosecution must prove you intentionally made a threat to coerce or extort. Miscommunication, sarcasm, or private jokes don’t qualify.
- No credible threat: Words alone don’t always meet the legal definition of a threat if they weren’t meant seriously or could not realistically be carried out.
- Consent or mutual exchange: In some situations, both parties voluntarily exchanged images or messages, and no actual coercion occurred.
- Insufficient digital evidence: Metadata, timestamps, or fake accounts may cast doubt on who sent messages or whether they were altered.
- Entrapment or police misconduct: In cases involving online stings or impersonation, officers may have overstepped constitutional boundaries.
If you’re facing felony-level accusations, your attorney can also negotiate for charge reduction, diversion, or stays of adjudication depending on the evidence and your criminal history.
Explore additional defense options with Martine Law’s felony defense attorneys.
How to handle being a victim of sextortion in Minnesota
If you’re the target of sextortion, do not pay or respond to the extortionist. Take these steps immediately:
- Report it to law enforcement – Contact your local police or the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
- Preserve all messages and accounts – Take screenshots, note usernames, and document communication dates.
- Report the account – Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have built-in reporting tools for extortion.
- Seek legal advice – An attorney can help you report safely and limit further harm.
- Get support – The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and IC3.gov (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center) can guide you through online sextortion cases.
Key takeaways
- Sextortion involves threatening to expose intimate content to gain something of value or control.
- Minnesota prosecutors may charge it as extortion, coercion, or dissemination of private sexual images—all carrying severe penalties.
- Digital evidence is central to these cases, but it can also be challenged for accuracy, authenticity, and intent.
- Never speak to investigators or delete files before talking to a Minnesota criminal defense attorney.
- The right legal strategy can protect your reputation and help you move forward.
If you’re accused or under investigation for sextortion in Minnesota, don’t wait to get legal help. Early action can prevent charges or lead to a stronger defense.
Martine Law has extensive experience defending clients in sex crime, internet, and digital evidence cases across Minnesota. We will protect your rights, challenge improper evidence, and help you navigate this crisis with discretion and professionalism.
Contact Martine Law today for a confidential consultation.