This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 61-8B-6, to the Code of West Virginia, which establishes the crimes of sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion. It defines key terms such as "adult," "minor," "great bodily injury," "private image," and "disclose." The bill outlines that a person commits sexual extortion by intentionally threatening to release a private image to compel the victim to act against their will, with the intent to obtain further private images or other valuables. Penalties for sexual extortion include felony charges with imprisonment ranging from one to twenty years, depending on the number of offenses.

Additionally, the bill defines aggravated sexual extortion, which occurs under specific circumstances, such as when the victim is a minor or vulnerable adult, or if the victim suffers great bodily injury or death as a result of the extortion. The penalties for aggravated sexual extortion are more severe, with a minimum of ten years imprisonment. The bill also stipulates that if a minor commits sexual extortion, they will face misdemeanor charges, which may include jail time, fines, and mandatory behavioral health counseling. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen legal protections against sexual extortion and provide clear definitions and penalties for these offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-8B-6