OFFICIALS WARN ABOUT SEXTORTION CRIMES

Nearly one year ago, Nitro High School sophomore Bryce Tate died after a sextortion scheme. State Police told lawmakers yesterday that financial sextortion cases in West Virginia have almost tripled. Sgt. Rachel Blankenship, director of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, said rescues of children rose from seven in 2024 to 22 so far in 2026. Del. Andy Shamblin, who teaches at Nitro High School, said a new law toughening sextortion penalties is in place, but more work remains. Tomorrow, Attorney General JB McCuskey announces a lawsuit against Snapchat over its alleged role in harming West Virginia kids, including in sextortion cases.