Over the past year, Suburban Burnout covered several high-profile legal battles. In this episode, Megan and Laura provide updates on these cases, highlighting significant progress and ongoing challenges.
The Jordan Demay Sextortion Case Update: In January 2024, we shared the heart-wrenching story of Jordan Demay, a teenage victim of sextortion, in an episode featuring his mother, Jenn Buta. Jordan was tricked by a Nigerian crime ring into sending a compromising photograph, leading to his tragic suicide. In a landmark move, two of the three perpetrators were extradited to the United States to face trial for their role in his death. In April 2024, both men pled guilty to conspiracy to sexually exploit minors in exchange for dropping all other charges. They now face mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. Sentencing has yet to occur.
Jenn expressed mixed feelings about the guilty pleas, acknowledging that while justice is being served, nothing can bring back her son. This landmark prosecution raises critical questions about its potential to deter similar crimes in the future. The complexity of prosecuting international criminals means that several other perpetrators remain unextradited, facing charges in Nigeria instead.
The prevalence of sextortion has surged by 1,000% in the last 18 months, with the Yahoo Boys cybercriminal gang in West Africa being a major culprit. New tactics are developing including the use of AI imaging for extortion. During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, social media executives, including Snap, revealed alarming statistics: 65% of Gen Z users reported that they or a friend had been targeted by sextortion schemes. The primary targets are boys aged 14-17, with some victims as young as 8. This raises questions about the duty of social media companies to protect their users.
Follow Jenn on TikTok @jennbuta to learn more about her advocacy work
Ruby Franke Child Abuse Case Update: In September 2023, Megan and Laura covered the arrest of YouTube star Ruby Franke for child abuse. Franke and her associate, Jodi Hildebrandt, were arrested in August after police found Franke’s son emaciated, with open wounds and bound with duct tape, having escaped Hildebrandt’s home. Another of Franke’s children was found in a similarly dire condition. Franke, known for her religious, family-oriented YouTube channel with over a million followers, hid a dark reality behind the camera. Despite numerous reports to CPS, concerns were ignored.
Franke has since claimed she was brainwashed by Hildebrandt, who advocated for abusive disciplinary practices, believing her children were possessed by the devil. Franke pled guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse, each carrying a potential 15-year sentence. Under Utah law, her sentences will be served consecutively, with a maximum of 30 years. In a strategic move, Franke agreed to testify against Hildebrandt in exchange for prosecutorial neutrality at her future parole hearings, ensuring Hildebrandt faces justice.
This case highlights systemic issues within CPS, including biases that may have led to ignoring concerns due to Franke's seemingly perfect family image. For more information on the CPS system, Laura recommends the podcast Do No Harm which explores how overworked caseworkers struggle with massive caseloads and implicit biases, often assuming guilt upon accusation. Despite the challenges, justice is being served in these cases.
Laura & Megan's Crime Junkie Recommendation Links:
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These cases underscore the importance of staying informed about issues like sextortion and child abuse, especially for parents. As the landscape of threats evolves with technological advancements, it becomes crucial to understand risks and protective measures. By tuning into Suburban Burnout, parents can gain insights into the legal battles and systemic challenges, empowering them to better protect their children.
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