Man Accused Of Trying To Extort Cash From Underage Ex
ROSEVILLE (CBS13) - You've heard of revenge porn, but how about porn extortion? That's what Roseville police say one man is accused of doing to a person he had been dating.
Investigators say the man's victim was underage and he wanted money in exchange for keeping those photos private.
"If a break-up happens, or someone gets mad, it can easily get out of control," said a Roseville resident.
According to Roseville police, 19-year-old Ruben Ruiz did more than get mad, he broke the law after recently breaking up with his underage, teen girlfriend -- leaving many stunned.
"Clearly it's disgusting for anyone to do that to someone else, especially in this case a possible child," said a resident.
Investigators say Ruiz was arrested after he allegedly threatened to post naked photos of his ex on social media sites if she didn't pay him an undisclosed of money.
"The extortion is a fairly serious charge and it makes no difference whatsoever that the girl actually gave him the pictures," said criminal defense attorney Kevin Adamson.
Adamson says the case is even more heinous because of the girl's age.
"What makes it particularly serious is the fact that it's a minor that he is extorting, especially in light of the fact that there are nude photographs of that minor," said Adamson.
Her young age makes the photos child pornography.
"Kids absolutely need to be talked to about those photographs," Adamson
Just two months ago, the state signed a revenge porn law, making it a misdemeanor for anyone to post sexual photos of another for revenge. Currently, the legislature is discussing enhancing the law. Meanwhile, parents are the first line of defense.
"Kids need to learn that what they put out there is a permanent record," said Adamson.
Ruiz is facing extortion charges and possession of obscene material.
