State Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) speaks at the End Sextortion Now Press Conference alongside John DeMay and state Reps. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) and Kara Hope (D-Holt) at the House Office Building in Lansing on Sept. 25, 2024.

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 25, 2024 — State Reps. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), Kara Hope (D-Holt) and Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) held a press conference today discussing a package of bills collectively known as “Jordan D’s Law.” The purpose of these bills is to help combat the growing threats of online sextortion targeting minors and other vulnerable individuals. The legislation, focused on prevention and punishment, is named in memory of Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old from Marquette, who tragically took his own life in 2022 after falling victim to an online sextortion scheme.

Fitzgerald’s bill, House Bill 5887, establishes criminal penalties for those who engage in sextortion. This bill creates tiered penalties, recognizing the need for proportionality in the justice system. The proposed escalations ensure that repeat offenders — the greatest threat to children and vulnerable adults — face appropriate consequences for their actions.

“Sextortion is one of the most sickening forms of exploitation we see today,” Fitzgerald said. “We need to pass this legislation for the good of our children, but for now, to anyone out there who is suffering in silence: You matter. It is OK to seek help.”

Victims of sextortion are often teenage males, but can be anyone of any age or gender. Predators are usually located outside the United States. Sextortion crimes have lead victims to self-harm and suicide. Jordan D’s law focuses on deterrence and using education as a form of prevention. The bill package was based on Gavin’s law of South Carolina. HB 5888, sponsored by Hope, outlines sentencing guidelines for sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion.

“Kids need to know that it’s okay to reach out to an adult, be it a parent, teacher, coach, bus driver, custodian, or anyone else they see as an ally,” Hope said. “This legislative package serves as both a sword and a shield. It addresses the crime itself, the need for just punishments and exemplifies the power of education.”

HB 5889, sponsored by Hill, mandates collaboration between local school districts, the Michigan Department of Education, Michigan State Police and the Attorney General’s office to implement educational policies on the new law. The boards of school districts, ISDs, and public school academies must implement a policy to educate these students on the sextortion law.

“I learned a lot about Jordan in the weeks and months following his tragic death that rocked our community, and it was devastating,” Hill said. “It broke my heart to learn this happened to one of my neighbors. We want to make it so that Jordan’s death will not be in vain by preventing such a tragedy from ever happening again. Our bills will equip schools, law enforcement and communities with one more tool to protect our young people — to raise awareness and arm them with the knowledge they need to stay safe online.”

The Jordan D’s bill package has been transferred to the House Committee on Criminal Justice and awaits a committee hearing. State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) chairs the House Committee on Criminal Justice.

“To combat the rapidly growing crime of sextortion targeting our children, we must take a comprehensive approach that includes stronger legislation, enhanced law enforcement efforts and widespread outreach to families,” said Jennifer Buta, mother of Jordan DeMay. “This legislation is essential not only to hold offenders accountable, but also to educate kids, parents and communities about the dangers of sextortion. It is critical that we protect our children from online predators and prevent tragedies like what happened to my son, Jordan, from happening to anyone else. I appreciate the representatives for taking the initiative to produce these bills that will save lives and make a change in this callous crime here in Michigan. I look forward to working together with lawmakers and fully support Jordan D’s Law.”

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