The bill amends West Virginia's Code to enhance the legal framework surrounding extortion, specifically focusing on sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion. It introduces a new section, 61-8B-6, which defines key terms such as "private image," "minor," and "vulnerable adult," and establishes the offenses of sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion. Sexual extortion is defined as the act of threatening to disclose a private image to compel a victim to act against their will, with penalties ranging from one to twenty years in prison depending on the number of offenses. Aggravated sexual extortion includes additional criteria, such as the victim being a minor or vulnerable adult, or resulting in serious bodily injury or death, with corresponding penalties.

The bill also modifies existing laws regarding extortion by including threats to obtain "any other thing of value" and increasing penalties for extortion or attempted extortion. It allows circuit courts to impose specific conditions for minors adjudicated for sexual extortion offenses, including behavioral health counseling. Furthermore, it clarifies jurisdiction for prosecuting sexual extortion offenses, allowing cases to be tried in the county where the threat was made or received. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen protections against extortion and provide clearer legal consequences for offenders.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-8B-6
Committee Substitute: 61-2-13, 61-8B-6
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 61-2-13, 61-8B-6