An uptick in cases of "sextortion" and online child exploitation is gaining the attention of communities, law enforcement and prosecutors, including here in Minnesota.
The spike of 40% in online cases last year - and the news that a quarter of the victims are 12 years old and younger - prompted St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin to hold a community discussion last night about protecting our kids ... and ourselves.
If you'd like more information about sextortion and online exploitation (including threats to adults like revenge porn), here are some additional links:
The FBI has a website about it, including resources for schools, victims and friends.